GIVEN THE INCREASING frequency of events, it’s not uncommon for high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts to slip under the radar these days.
There’s perhaps no greater example of that than today’s main event between Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber at UFC Fight Night 66 in Manila. The featherweight tussle is probably worthy of topping a pay-per-view bill, but the UFC have opted to bring it outside the US to headline their first ever event in the Philippines.
That it’s not taking place in the US is one explanation for the lack of hype surrounding what should be an excellent bout between two highly-skilled veterans. Another is the general lack of interest in anything in the 145lbs division until Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor make the picture clearer in Las Vegas on 11 July.
Between them, Faber and Edgar have competed in 10 title bouts in the UFC — plus nine more under the WEC banner, thanks to Faber. Whether this fight warranted more publicity is a matter of opinion, but there’s no arguing against it being worthy of fans’ attention — and not just because it’s happening at a reasonable hour.
At 33 and 36-years-old respectively, are Edgar and Faber past their best? Probably. But that doesn’t dilute the appeal of a contest between two of the greats of the modern era. This has the makings of a captivating tussle and its outcome could have a significant impact on the hierarchy of featherweight title contenders.
Depending on how the meeting of Aldo and McGregor transpires, a rematch could follow immediately. However, as a potential number one contender in its aftermath, it’s difficult to look beyond Edgar. He was lightweight champion for two years but is keen for another shot at the 145lbs belt, having lost to Aldo in 2013.
The rankings might suggest that Chad Mendes is next in line, but with his October loss to the champion still fresh in the mind, Mendes might have to wait a little longer for his next title tilt. But Urijah Faber might have his own ideas.
‘The California Kid’ hasn’t clarified yet if he’d favour a move back down to 135lbs after this bout, but having failed in three previous attempts to clinch the bantamweight gold, is he likely to be handed another chance at reaching the summit of that division any time soon?
Faber has his own history with Jose Aldo, of course. He lost his WEC title to the Brazilian in 2010, and while a win today against Frankie Edgar might add a surprise new contender to the featherweight division, we don’t fancy his chances.
Edgar’s strikes may lack the finishing power of Faber’s, but ‘The Answer’ is clever enough to pick off his opponents with more volume, keeping the judges on his side. Faber may also have the edge in the grappling exchanges, but Edgar should have enough in that department to avoid finding himself in danger of being put away.
All seven of Faber’s losses have come in title bouts, but that looks set to change today. The Team Alpha Male star is capable of capitalising on any opportunities to finish this one inside the distance, but it’s Edgar via the judges’ scorecards for us.
The top four bouts on today’s bill should be worth tuning in for — Faber vs. Edgar, Mousasi vs. Philippou, Munoz vs. Barnatt, Magny vs. Lim — and the main card is scheduled to start at 3pm Irish time. Unfortunately it’s not available to watch live in Ireland — legally anyway — but delayed coverage will be broadcast at 10pm on BT Sport 1.
