MMA Junkie reports that Dana White will offer Frankie Edgar an immediate shot at the Featherweight title if he drops down to that division. Edgar indicated that he wants a rematch at Benson Henderson for the lightweight title.
Via MMA Junkie:
White, who today promised Edgar an immediate shot at the featherweight title if he’s willing to make the drop, still believes “The Answer” should be at 145 pounds. That said, he’s still not going to make anything a requirement.
Thus far, Edgar has balked at White’s offer. But the UFC boss said the two have remained in close contact since UFC 144, and he hopes the former lightweight champ will eventually share his point of view.
Payout Perspective:
Its interesting that although Edgar and Henderson won Fight of the Night honors, there’s no desire on the part of White to have a rematch between the two. The Edgar move could be seen as more of a way to bolster the Featherweight division where Aldo has basically had his way with the division. The lightweight division is shaping up to be one of the more competitive divisions in the UFC. On the other hand, aside from Hatsu Hioki, there are no legitimate challengers to Jose Aldo’s title. Frankie Edgar dropping down would help the division and gain interest in it overall.
Certainly an Edgar/Aldo fight would be great to watch and the immediate shot at the title is the extra carrot for Edgar. Yet, its a pretty big career decision. I can see the reasons Edgar wants a rematch at lightweight. While having an immediate title shot at Featherweight is enticing, it would be the first time Edgar would have to cut weight in some time. Yes, its only 10 pounds, but he is fighting one of the best in Aldo. This seems to be discounted by many who want Edgar to jump at the shot.
It would be stupid for Edgar to move down. His ONLY prayer of beating Aldo is to get raped for 3 rounds and hope he survives and Aldo gas’. The guy has been rocked in 3 straight fights and non have the power or technique that Aldo has. Add to that he would be taking his biggest advantage away. He uses his speed to avoid damamge and protect his chin and to score points. Dropping wouldnt give him power. Frankie isnt the only undersized guys in MMA history yet most showed some power even verses bigger guys many in the same weight class. So he will still lack power but get hit much harder and more often and land less often. No reason to leave 155 especially after a fight i felt he won, he felt he won, and many others felt he won.
BS,
I agree. I like Edgar but people forget that he’s going to have to fight Jose Aldo at 145.