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Dana White planned on spending his Tuesday afternoon attempting to convince Frankie Edgar, fresh off losing his lightweight title to Benson Henderson, to drop down to featherweight and receive an immediate title shot against champion Jose Aldo. Since his narrow defeat to Henderson at UFC 144 ended a two-year reign at 155, Edgar has been resolute about receiving an immediate rematch. During a New York City press conference promoting May’s UFC on Fox 3 event, White said that the winner of the Jim Miller-Nate Diaz main event is next in line.
If White could only convince Edgar … turns out it was the Answer who did the convincing. Early Tuesday evening, Edgar Tweeted that it will in fact be Henderson-Edgar 2, a bout White confirmed via the social media tool will take place this summer.
"Rematch anyone??.......it's on!!" Edgar Tweeted. "Thanks to @danawhite @lorenzofertitta. Me and Henderson 2. Here we go!!"
Discussion surrounding Anthony Pettis, who defeated Henderson in December 2010 to become WEC lightweight champ, receiving his long-awaited chance at a UFC title irritated Edgar, who defeated a who’s who of lightweights including the indomitable B.J. Penn (twice) and avenging his first MMA defeat by knocking out Gray Maynard in their rubber match. He campaigned that since he granted Penn and Maynard immediate rematches it was time for him to collect.
Thus, while Pettis once again plays a waiting game, Edgar will have an opportunity to match Penn as the division’s only two-time champion and take a giant step towards becoming a legend.
Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC