Frankie Edgar

By FCF Staff

Recently the UFC announced that Frankie Edgar will take on rising star Yair Rodriguez in his next bout, and the former lightweight champ understands the bout is crucially important for him.

Not long ago, it looked like Edgar might take on fellow vet and featherweight contender Ricardo Lamas next. The latter campaigned for a bout with him via social media, and Edgar said he was on board. But, more recently, it was announced that Edgar will take on Rodriguez at the May 13th, UFC 211 card.

In Rodriguez, the 35 year-old old Edgar will take on one of the UFC’s fastest rising fighters. The 24 year-old, Mexican fighter is riding an eight fight winning streak, and most recently, he finished the legend, BJ Penn.

Edgar appeared on The Anik and Florian Podcast recently, and while discussing whether this fight is a platform for Rodriguez to record another huge win, “The Answer” said this (quote via MMA Fighting):

“A little bit. I’d be stupid not to see the picture they’re painting here a little bit. Yair’s kind of in a win-win situation I think. He beats me, that’s great for him, it’s good for the UFC to push a prospect. But if he loses, he wasn’t supposed to win, kind of situation. For me, a lot’s on the line.”

Edgar is coming off a decision win over Jeremy Stephens, which followed his second defeat to Jose Aldo last summer. UFC 211 will take place in Dallas, Texas.