Two weeks ago, when the UFC World Tour rolled through New York, UFC president Dana White said he had something "big" in mind for Frankie Edgar. This week, with Urijah Faber fighting a dangerous but little-known opponent in Iuri Alcantara, he's voiced a hope for a more significant future matchup, perhaps even one with a featherweight opponent.
Are these two seemingly independent statements interrelated? Signs point to yes. White admitted so much when asked if it's the fight he had in mind when he mentioned future plans for Edgar.
"That could potentially be the fight we were interested in," he told FOX Sports.
The fight would likely take place at featherweight, where Edgar has competed since early this year when he moved down to fight Jose Aldo. After losing in a unanimous decision, Edgar rebounded in July by defeating Charles Oliveira.
Faber's move is precipitated by the logjam at the top of his own division. With bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz not expected back until at least early 2014 and interim champion Renan Barao also sidelined due to injury, there is nothing for Faber past beating contenders.
He's finished Scott Jorgensen and Ivan Menjivar in back-to-back fights. If he gets past Alcantara, there's an argument to be made that he's the top contender. The only problem is there's no available belt for him to go after, making it likely that the UFC could go to a plan B.
"I think Frankie and Urijah would interest anybody," White said. "[Urijah] is a fighter, right? He fights three times a year, that’s what he does. There’s some weird situations going on in that 135-pound division. He’s staying active, taking on all comers, even guys that are super tough that not everybody knows. I really respect that.
"I’m interested in that fight, yes." he said.
At least one side seems game for it. When asked about the possibility, Edgar told FOX Sports that he was "usually game" for White's ideas.
"Yeah, could be a big fight," he said. "Let's see what happens Saturday and what Dana brings to the table."
