UFC Event

UFC 150 Fight Card Primer: Ben Henderson Vs. Frankie Edgar

By Fraser Coffeen@FCoffeen Aug 11, 2012, 6:00pm EDT

In the main event at the UFC 150 PPV, UFC Lightweight champion Ben Henderson (16-2 MMA; 4-0 UFC) faces challenger Frankie Edgar (14-2-1 MMA; 9-2-1 UFC). This is a rematch from UFC 144, and is the first fight for both men since that bout. The USA TODAY / MMA Nation Consensus MMA Rankings have this as a clash between the top 2 Lightweight in the world, with Henderson in the #1 spot, and Edgar just below him at #2. The UFC 150 PPV airs live Saturday night August 11 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

For the third straight time, the UFC Lightweight title is being contested in an immediate rematch. After giving rematches to both B.J. Penn and Gray Maynard, Frankie Edgar claimed his own rematch after losing to Henderson earlier this year. While there was a bit of debate over the result in the UFC 144 fight, most felt Henderson won it with his striking and ability to get back to his feet after the takedown. In the Maynard series, Edgar showed tremendous heart and the ability to somehow find a way to win. He'll need that ability once again if he wants to become the first man ever to regain the UFC Lightweight title.

How do these two stack up?

Henderson: 28 years old | 5'9" | 70" reach
Edgar: 30 years old | 5'6" | 68" reach

What have these two done recently?

Henderson: W - Frankie Edgar (UD) | W - Clay Guida (UD) | W - Jim Miller (UD)
Edgar: L - Ben Henderson (UD) | W - Gray Maynard (KO) | D - Gray Maynard

How did these two get here?

Ben "Smooth" Henderson (or Bendo if you prefer) came into the UFC after the WEC closed. At the time, he was riding a loss, having been defeated by Anthony Pettis in the final WEC fight (victim of the famed Showtime Kick). But starting with the Jim Miller fight last year, Henderson quickly established himself as an absolute force in the UFC. He completely shut down Miller, then followed it up with a great win over Clay Guida before taking the belt from Edgar. Henderson is a very exciting fighter, with great cardio and some of the best submission defense in all of MMA. He seems ready to build his legacy at 155, and closing the door on Edgar is a big step.

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar was an unlikely UFC Lightweight champion. Most gave him no chance against B.J. Penn, but he upset the champion in a pair of fights, then successfully defended twice against Maynard, including their absolute classic at UFC 125. Edgar is a wrestler who has also developed an excellent boxing game, but it's his chin and his heart that have really propelled him to the top, as he took tremendous damage in those Maynard fights, only to come back. A small Lightweight, there has always been talk of Edgar dropping down to 145, and if he loses here, expect that talk to really pick up.

Why should you care?

One man is going to look very impressive here. Either Bendo becomes a name in the pound-for-pound discussion, or Edgar reminds of all what it means to have the heart of a champion. I want to find out which one it is.

More UFC 150 preview coverage from Bloody Elbow after the jump.

SBN coverage of UFC 150: Edgar vs. Henderson II

UFC 150: Jake Shields Vs. Ed Herman Dissection - Dallas Winston

UFC 150: The Last Stand For Jake Shields - Fraser Coffeen

Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - Episode 197: Mark Pavelich, Jared Rosholt, UFC 150 Preview - Matt Bishop

UFC 150 Pre-Fight Press Conference Video And Coverage - Tim Burke

UFC 150: Yushin Okami Vs. Buddy Roberts Dissection - Dallas Winston

UFC 150 Interview: Ed Herman 'It's Not About Who The Best Guy Is Anymore' - Steph Daniels

UFC 150 Fight Week: Dana White Video Blog Day 1 - Josh Nason

UFC 150: Why Ben Henderson Vs. Frankie Edgar II Is Destined To Disappoint - Fraser Coffeen

UFC 150: Henderson Vs. Edgar Betting Lines - Tim Burke

Video: UFC 150 Open Workout & Pre-Fight Interviews With Ben Henderson, Frankie Edgar - Nate Wilcox