(From Sherdog)

Gray Maynard defeated Roger Huerta by split decision in a lightweight fight that had more on the line outside of the cage.

Huerta had rebuffed all attempts to re-sign with the UFC, and it was widely speculated that he was matched with Maynard, a rising star in the 155-pound division, to send him on his way with a loss.

Huerta started slow, looking to counter Maynard, who was just too quick for him. Huerta turned the tables later in the round when he began to initiate the action. Huerta stalked Maynard, landing combinations that were more annoying than damaging.

Maynard trudged through the second round much like the first, looking for the big shot and neglecting his wrestling base. The former Michigan State Spartan attempted only one takedown in the first two rounds.

In the third round, Maynard shot early and grounded Huerta against the cage. He hooked up a kimura that bent Huerta’s arm behind his back, but he could not finish the submission. Undeterred, Maynard continued to use his grappling ability to win the positional battle.

The victory keeps Maynard atop the list of potential title contenders. Following the final stages of his contract, Huerta will now become a free agent but has said he will focus his efforts on modeling and acting.