Edwards-Stout Targeted for UFC 131 in Vancouver

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Longtime UFC competitor Yves Edwards will likely meet Canadian kickboxing ace Sam Stout in a lightweight duel at UFC 131.

Sherdog.com confirmed the bout with a source close to the negotiations Tuesday after MMAJunkie.com first reported the matchup.

UFC 131 will go down June 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and will likely be headlined by a heavyweight confrontation between “The Ultimate Fighter 13” coaches Brock Lesnar and Junior dos Santos. Also confirmed for the event is a middleweight tilt pitting former title challenger Demian Maia against powerful wrestler Mark Munoz, as well as a featherweight duel between BodogFight veteran Darren Elkins and Japanese import Michihiro Omigawa.

The inventor and master of “thug-jitsu,” Edwards is one of the sport's most durable veterans. With 57 pro bouts to his credit, the native Bahamanian has fought for over 13 years in organizations such as King of the Cage, SuperBrawl, Pride Fighting Championships and EliteXC. An American Top Team standout, Edwards made his UFC debut in 2001, losing by majority decision to “TUF 4” winner Matt Serra.

Edwards has won six of his last seven, including two straight inside the Octagon. After besting John Gunderson at UFC Fight Night 22 in September, the 34-year-old finished “TUF 12” competitor Cody McKenzie at “Fight for the Troops 2” in January. Though the Alaskan had Edwards in trouble in the early going, “The Texas Gunslinger” used his veteran savvy to overcome his unorthodox opponent, choking McKenzie unconscious in the second frame.

Perhaps best known for his pair of “Fight of the Night” performances against Spencer Fisher in 2006 and 2007, Stout has won three of his last four fights. A five-time “FOTN” bonus winner, the Canadian has knocked out half of his career victims.

The 26-year-old Stout had an active 2010, fighting thrice. After earning a unanimous nod over submission specialist Joe Lauzon to start the year, “Hands of Stone” dropped a split decision to hard-hitting Jeremy Stephens in May. Stout would rebound from the defeat in October, however, earning a contentious split verdict of his own over Brit Paul Taylor at UFC 121. Stout was scheduled to fight Paul Kelly at UFC 126 in February, but was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.