Credit: MMANews.com

Both Frank Mir (14-5) and Brendan Schaub (7-1) have verbally agreed to meet inside the octagon. While neither man has officially signed the dotted line, the bout looks to be a sure bet. According to a report issued by MMAJunkie.com, the bout will likely take place at either UFC Live 3 on March 3rd, or UFC 129 on March 19th.

Former champion Frank Mir last competed at UFC 119, where he knocked out Croation striker Mirko “Crocop” Filipovic after a full 14 minutes of timid cat-and-mouse combat. Prior to that uninspired victory, Mir was knocked out by Shane Carwin at UFC 111.

Rising prospect Brendan Schaub on the other hand has put together three consecutive victories for the promotion. He stopped Chase Gormley at UFC Live 1, Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 116, and most recently scored a lopsided unanimous decision over former title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 121.

The momentum seems to favor Schaub, but Mir is a well versed opponent who poses a few more threats; namely, experience and one of, if not the best submission offense in the heavyweight division.