The second UFC event in a three-day span, ‘The Ultimate Fighter Season 22’ finale is headlined by a featherweight bout that could determine the next contender to the winner of Jose Aldo vs Conor McGregor title unification bout, which takes place the very next day at UFC 194. I suspect that this placement was intentional, so that the UFC has a suitable substitute in case Aldo or McGregor pull out of their scheduled bout. Of course that would mean losing the main event, but hey, it’s a TUF Finale card on Fox Sports 1. Keeping the featherweight title bout at 194 is far more important to the UFC, and this card would still have a strong headliner in Tony Ferguson vs Edson Barboza. But let’s hope that everyone stays healthy, and both cards remain intact.
Main Event: [#2 FW] Frankie Edgar vs [#6 FW] Chad Mendes
Worth: $15
Why: This is a top-notch matchup between two of the most elite fighters in the division. The winner could become the next title contender, depending on a couple of factors. As Mendes has already lost twice to the reigning champion Aldo, and was stopped by McGregor in their fight for the interim title, should he beat Edgar it’s unlikely that he will face the winner of Aldo-McGregor next. Edgar on the other hand has already lost to Aldo but never fought McGregor, so if Conor unifies the titles then Edgar is likely to be his next opponent. The other factor is the Max Holloway vs Jeremy Stephens fight which also takes place the next day at UFC 194: should Holloway win and extend his UFC streak to eight straight, he will likely jump the line ahead of Edgar as the next contender.
Let’s set the featherweight title picture aside for a second, and focus on the actual fight. It’s a very close matchup of well rounded fighters with similar skill sets. Mendes is the harder puncher of the two, but Edgar is extremely tough, and also seems like a better technician and tactician. Though at 34, Edgar is four years older than his opponent, he has not yet shown any sign of decline in his recent fights. I believe this is Edgar’s fight to lose, and hope that he fights for the title next – particularly if McGregor comes out victorious at 194.
[#5 FW] 
[#6 FW] 
[#1 W105] 
[#16 W105] 
