Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson set to headline UFC's return to Japan
Posted on November 12, 2011, 10:49 PM by Joey SantosusUFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar will put his title on the line when he meets Ben Henderson on February 26th in Japan.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the match-up while fielding questions at the UFC on Fox Post-Fight Press Conference.
Henderson (15-2) cemented his spot as the number-one contender with a closely contested unanimous decision victory over Clay Guida at the inaugural UFC on Fox event. The win marked his third straight since transitioning over from the WEC, defeating Mark Bocek in his octagon debut before derailing Jim Miller back in August.
"I think it's a good match-up style-wise," said Henderson at the Post-Fight Press Conference. "Obviously, I'm as confident as any fighter in the UFC. With Frankie, I think I match up very well, I just have to stick to the gameplan, do a better job of that, but I'm very excited. Frankie and I are going to put on a great show."
Edgar (14-1-1) will look to make his fourth title defense since dethroning B.J. Penn at UFC 112. Following an immediate rematch with Penn, which he won via unanimous decision, "The Answer" fought Xtreme Couture product Gray Maynard in back-to-back outings. After fighting to a draw in their first title bout, Edgar emerged victorious from their second via fourth-round TKO in October.
The Lightweight title clash will headline the promotion's much anticipated return to Japan, which is set to take place February 26th from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, Saitama.
Photo:Frank Edgar celebrates his victory over Mark Bocek at UFC 73 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA on July 7, 2007. Photo credit: Francis Specker
Comments
Should be a good one. Got to go with Edgar til he loses though. He has the biggest heart in MMA.
Yes but Ben has the biggest proportional legs
Frankie is faster, wrestling wise they are about the same. I really don't see how you can pick bed so easy over edgar. Edgar isn't going to throw wild punches, he's going to move around and pick his shots, take down ben, get up, repeat. I wouldn't be surprised if Edgar finishes Ben in the 3rd or 4th round.
frankie is never an easy fight for any1 but if bendo comes in and performs like he did his last 2 fights then he will be the new champ
Frankie's got a boxing advantage. Looks good off his back. I see a submission in a scramble or a typical Edgar decision.
^Ben, sorry.
So hard to predict this fight , you would think that after Bendo outgrapple Guida , he would just run over Edgar but Edgar outwrestle Maynard who is a hell of a wrestler and a gigantic lightweight
Edgar has his movement and his great chin and heart while Bendo has his submissions and the reach i really can't pick one
Frankie has been doubt and put to the test so many times and still wins , the guy just can have a break, Sherk , Bj Penn twice , Maynard twice and now Bendo
So i can't pick against Edgar but neither against one of my favorites specially since his from the WEC! Bendo, and he still have Pettis making his way back up and also Cerrone
In this fight I think is gonna be a lot of Frankie against the cage. maybe the key for Edgar maybe the striking ...
And after Pettis deafeats Lauzon the 2 matchup Bendo vs Pettis is comming up.
Callin in right now Henderson will be the new champ! I still love Edgar tho he goes hard.
I can't see how all these people are counting Edgar out, has he not proven he will never be an easy W.
I think it's going to be a great fight!
Why is the UFC self-sabotaging??? Edgar-Bendo on a PPV in Japan??? Be lucky to do 200,000 buys. This is the kind of fight that should be on fox.
Will be an amazing fight no doubt
Frankie has proved he could wrestle with Maynard twice, and Penn twice. He was able to strike with everyone he fought. Bendo hasn't fought guys like Penn (THE lightweight penn), and Maynard. Bendo was able to wrestle with Guida but would he be able to do so with Maynard? I don't think so.
They both my favorite fighters but Ben will pulls off this match with the heart of fighter and better reach advantage,anyway would be a fight of the
year.IMO
If hendo doesn't beat him I'm gonna join the ufc to kick this dudes ass. I can't stand edgar...