The main event at UFC 156 is a fascinating fight for the UFC hardcore fan. UFC Featherweight champion Jose Aldo (21-1 MMA; 3-0 UFC) looks to defend his belt against former UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (15-3-1 MMA; 9-3-1 UFC). This five round title fight is the last of five PPV main card fights. UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar airs live from Las Vegas this Saturday night, February 2, with the PPV main card beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.
This may not be champion vs. champion, but it’s still something of a dream fight for the diehard fans. Jose Aldo has been tearing through the Featherweight division, both in the WEC and UFC. It’s been quite some time since he was even truly challenged. Meanwhile, Frankie Edgar is a scrappy, hard to defeat fighter who has given his all in a series of Lightweight title fights. Edgar’s 2011 fights with Gray Maynard were instant classics. Will he produce another against Jose Aldo? We will find out at UFC 156.
How do these two stack up?
Aldo: 26 years old | 5’7″ | 70″ reach
Edgar: 31 years old | 5’6″ | 68″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Aldo: W – Chad Mendes (TKO) | W – Kenny Florian (UD) | W – Mark Hominick (UD)
Edgar: L – Ben Henderson (SD) | L – Ben Henderson (UD) | W – Gray Maynard (TKO)
How did these two get here?
Jose Aldo comes in as one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world. He’s established his dominance over the division with a combined five title defenses in the WEC and UFC, never looking in serious trouble for a moment of those fights. But he’s also coming off a one year layoff, having not fought since UFC 142. Injuries have kept him on the sidelines, and he’s also dealt with weight cut issues in recent fights. Does this mean there are some cracks in his armor?
More on UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar
Frankie “The Answer” Edgar is the constant underdog. He’s been often overlooked ever since his 2010 Lightweight title win over B.J. Penn. He made three successful defenses of the belt, including a pair of classics with Maynard, before dropping back to back fights to Ben Henderson. There are some grumbles about him getting this shot – he’s on a 2 fight losing streak and has never fought at 145 before. Those are valid concerns that bring an extra layer of intrigue to the fight, as we see both how Edgar bounces back from the losses, and how he deals with the weight cut.
Why should you care?
I have not been as excited about a fight in some time. This is a very tough one to call, with two supremely talented fighters. I can not wait.
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