It’s only one win, but Frankie Edgar‘s track record when he leaves the United States is a pretty good one.
The last time – and only time – Edgar fought outside the country, he upset BJ Penn to win the lightweight title at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi. And according to news first reported by MMA Junkie, the champ very well could be headed overseas again. Word is Edgar will defend his title when the UFC returns to Japan in late February, and he is expected to do it against the Clay Guida–Ben Henderson winner.
That fight would give the UFC a title bout to hang its hat on for its first trip to Japan since UFC 29 in December 2000. UFC 144 is expected for Feb. 26 at the Saitama Super Arena, just north of Tokyo. Though the card would take place on Feb. 26 in Japan, the time difference would mean it will air as normal in the States on Feb. 25, a Saturday.
Edgar is coming off another Fight of the Year candidate defense of his title against Gray Maynard. After the two fought to a draw in January, they rematched at UFC 136 in Houston last month. Again, Maynard got out to a strong start and looked close to ending the fight. But Edgar rallied for a fourth-round knockout, handing Maynard the first loss of his professional career and avenging the only loss of his own career.
Guida and Henderson fight Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on Fox in Anaheim, Calif., the promotion’s network television debut. Though they have co-main event status, the bout will not air on the Fox broadcast – only the heavyweight title fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos will appear there. Guida-Henderson can be seen on the UFC’s Facebook live stream, a live stream at FoxSports.com or on the Fox Deportes cable channel.
Guida has won four straight, including an upset of former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Before that, he had three straight submission victories, twice winning Submission of the Night. Henderson, also a former WEC lightweight champ, has won both his UFC fights since the merger with decision wins over Mark Bocek and Jim Miller, which snapped Miller’s seven-fight winning streak.
