The lightweight division is quickly becoming the UFC’s own best of three series.
After capturing UFC gold in February, Benson Henderson is preparing to defend his lightweight title in a rematch with former champ Frankie Edgar.
This bout will mark the third consecutive time the lightweight title has been defended in an immediate rematch.
While Henderson vs. Edgar was certainly a competitive bout, there wasn’t any overwhelming sense of controversy surrounding the outcome. The vast majority of fans were content in the judges giving Henderson the decision nod.
With that said, why was Edgar even granted an immediate rematch in the first place? What if Henderson loses? Should he be given another opportunity as well?
People generally aren’t rallying around Edgar because they felt he was robbed of a decision. He has generated support from the UFC and fans because he earned it. When asked to give immediate rematches to BJ Penn and Gray Maynard, Edgar never questioned or complained about the situation. He fought whoever the UFC put in front of him.
Based on pure principle alone, Edgar deserves the immediate rematch.
As for Henderson, this fight really puts him in a tough spot. He has to beat the champ twice to claim the lightweight title. Edgar was in the exact same situation in back to back bouts against Penn in 2010.
If Henderson loses, he would definitely deserve an opportunity to settle the score in an immediate rubber match, but unfortunately for “Smooth,” the road back to the title could be a little rough.
The lightweight division is easily one of the most competitive weight classes in all of MMA. There are too many contenders waiting in the wings for the division to be held up by an endless slew of rematches.
It’s time to move on.
Moving on will probably be the last thing on Henderson’s mind if he doesn’t get his hand raised at the end of the rumored UFC 150 headliner. He would seek out an immediate rematch, and while the UFC may not honor his request, they would certainly have to weigh their options.
What say you? Should the UFC offer Henderson an immediate rematch if he loses to Edgar?
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