Hold your breath; we just heard Former UFC featherweight challenger Frankie Edgar has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming scheduled title fight against with Max Holloway at UFC 218. As per Combate, Edgar suffered a facial injury earlier this week that will require some surgery. Espn’s Brett Okamoto also confirmed.
Confirmed with source Frankie Edgar is off UFC 218. First reported by @canalCombate. I'm guessing Holloway stays on card, we'll see.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 8, 2017
The main event UFC 218 pay-per-view, which takes place on Dec. 2 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The UFC has not yet announced Frankie Edgar’s withdrawal, or whether Max Holloway (18-3) will remain on the card.
A rumored replacement would be Cub Swanson, who’s won his last four in a row. However, Swanson currently has one fight left on his contract which is scheduled to headline UFC Fresno on Dec. 9 versus Brian Ortega.
Swanson told MMAFighting,
“We would have to come to terms on a new deal,” “I’m willing.”
Unfortunately, Frankie Edgar loses out on his shot at UFC gold.
“The featherweight Frankie Edgar will see yet another belt bout escape from his hands. The American fighter suffered a facial injury during training for his fight against Max Holloway, the current category champion at UFC 218, on December 2 in Detroit. Edgar will need surgery and, therefore, will be forced to withdraw from the confrontation with the Hawaiian.”(Via Combate)
Holloway is riding an 11-fight win streak and won the title by knocking out Jose Aldo in the third round in June.
Edgar took to Social Media to say he’s off the card:
Edgar (22-5-1), had won seven of his last eight fights, including two straight against Stephens and Yair Rodriguez.
We wish Frankie Edgar a speedy recovery.
