MMA Junkie (via USA Today) reports that Frankie Edgar will replace injured Erik Koch and face Featherweight Jose Aldo. It will be Edgar’s first appearance at Featherweight and he gets the title shot against Aldo in Brazil.
Koch had to pull out due to an undisclosed injury. Yet again, another injury close to an event. Fortunately, there was sufficient time for both camps to prepare for their new opponent.
Love me some
@frankieedgar !!!!— Dana White (@danawhite) August 31, 2012
Edgar’s acceptance of the fight made Dana White happy.
Payout Perspective:
A good break for the UFC as it gets a good matchup in Brazil. While Edgar is a fan favorite, he is not a PPV draw. No disrespect to Edgar, but his substitution will not enhance the live gate based upon the previous UFC cards in Brazil. With or without Edgar, the card would have done well. But, the matchup provides the UFC a chance to promote a Champion v. (Ex)Champion fight. We will see if this helps the card.
I bet he calls Mike Dolce for the weight cut.
I predict 4 things for this card:
#1: People will complain about it before it happens
#2: It will end up being a good but not great card
#3: PPV will be under 250,000, possibly under 210,000
#4: I will not buy the card