Filed under: UFC, MMA Fighting Exclusive, News, UFC on FOX
LAS VEGAS — Up until now, it’s been assumed that the winner of UFC on Fox 1’s co-main event will be the next man up to face current lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
But that’s no guarantee.
UFC president Dana White told MMA Fighting that on the heels of Edgar’s stirring comeback knockout win over Gray Maynard, he’s yet to determine the champion’s next challenge.
Asked whether it was a sure thing that the Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson winner would earn a chance to fight for the belt, White initially said no.
But that’s not necessarily his final answer. Moments later, he clarified his thoughts, saying that his unrelenting schedule hasn’t afforded him the opportunity to sit down, examine the situation and make a decision.
“I don’t know. I have no idea,” he said. “We’re going to have to see what happens. I haven’t even thought about it. You have to understand, the only thing I’m thinking about now is FOX. I’ve just got to get past this event. Everything else is taking a back seat. All the other s— will work itself out.”
After a decision win over Anthony Pettis, Guida (29-11) is currently riding a four-fight win streak while Henderson (14-2) has won seven of his eight fights under the Zuffa banner, most recently dominating Jim Miller en route to a decision at UFC Live: Lytle vs. Hardy.
Despite the possible importance of the bout, the Guida-Henderson bout will not be televised, airing on Facebook.com and FOX.com.
Still, the Guida-Henderson winner seems like the most likely option for Edgar. Other possibilities include the Donald Cerrone–Dennis Siver winner from Saturday night, or Gilbert Melendez if he is brought over from Strikeforce. Both Jim Miller and Melvin Guillard recently had win streaks snapped that likely removed them from the conversation.