Frankie Edgar enthusiastic to fight in Japan – UFC News
When the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) makes its return to Japan at UFC 144, it will be a night to remember. The event will be held on February 26, 2011 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The lightweight championship bout of the night will be between American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Frankie Edgar as he faces compatriot MMA fighter Benson Henderson.
The 30-year old Edgar has been on a roll in his MMA career. He will be defending his UFC lightweight championship against Henderson inside the UFC’s octagon fight ring in Japan. Edgar made his UFC debut in February 2007 against Tyson Griffin at UFC 67: All or Nothing. For Edgar, fighting in Japan was one of his lifelong dreams. The moment Ben Henderson defeated Clay Guida on November 12, 2011 at UFC on Fox 1,
Edgar knew he is going to meet Henderson at the Saitama Super Arena. Edgar have had a good run with his MMA career is one of the most famous UFC lightweight champions. He earned a shot at the UFC lightweight title in 2010. Edgar faced Jay Dee B.J Penn for the title in April 2010 at UFC 112: Invincible event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He defeated Penn through a unanimous decision after both the fighters went on fighting for five rounds.
For Edgar, fighting in Japan would mean he would be surrounded by screaming fans, as MMA is a popular combat sport in Japan. Edgar was excited ever since he was named in the lightweight championship match at UFC 144 in Japan. He said, "I'm excited to go over there just because the Japanese fan base is going to be pretty cool…Pride was huge over there, MMA's huge – it's the birthplace of martial arts. So what better place to defend your title than there?"
With comments like these, it would be safe to say that Edgar will be in fighting spirits when he would face Henderson in the country where martial arts was born. Being an MMA fighter himself Edgar keeps his profession closer to his heart and would be willing to win the bout in Japan. He has been successful in defending his UFC lightweight championship title thrice. He would be looking to retain his title successfully for the fourth consecutive time. Only time will tell if Edgar can beat Henderson or will Henderson leave Japan as the champion.
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