Max Holloway is finally getting his date against Frankie Edgar.
As expected, ‘The Answer’ will be the next the next man to try and figure out the puzzle that is UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. According to a new report by MMA Junkie citing sources speaking on condition on anonymity, the bout will take place at UFC 222 later this year. Holloway vs. Edgar was considered a front runner to anchor the event, so the booking isn’t exactly a surprise. Still, it’s a welcome sign for fans of UFC featherweights.
Holloway was originally expected to face Edgar at UFC 218 in Detroit last month. However, an injury sustained by Edgar forced him off the card. He was replaced by Jose Aldo, who Holloway would finish in a case of deja vu for the second straight fight.
Edgar (22-5-1), a former UFC lightweight champion, is on a two fight win streak heading into the bout against Holloway. He last appeared at UFC 211, where a doctor’s stoppage put an end to Yair Rodriguez’s night after two rounds. Prior to that, Edgar fought to a unanimous decision victory with Jeremy Stephens at UFC 205.
Since dropping to featherweight in 2013, Edgar has lost both shots at 145lb gold he has received, in each case to former champ Jose Aldo. Aldo first defeated ‘The Answer’ at UFC 156 in Edgar’s debut in the weight class. A shot at interim gold at UFC 200 also saw Edgar come up short.
Max Holloway, meanwhile, was named Fighter of the Year (Male) by Cageside Press, and has been on a roll for years now. The Hawaiian champion is on a twelve fight win streak, and defeated former pound-for-pound great Aldo in two consecutive fights at UFC 212 and 218. Prior to that, he claimed an interim title against Anthony Pettis at UFC 206 in Toronto. The featherweight King has not lost since a 2013 defeat at the hands of Conor McGregor.
Holloway is looking to put his stamp on the division, and his first post-Aldo fight should allow him to do just that. UFC 222 takes place March 3 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
UPDATE, 7:15PM EST: The UFC has now officially announced the bout.
It’s back on!
FW champ @BlessedMMA defends against @FrankieEdgar at #UFC222! pic.twitter.com/XHZl68la4p
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) January 9, 2018
