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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Despite a TKO loss to Conor McGregor on short notice at UFC 189, Chad Mendes isn't out of the title picture just yet.
According to a report from Brazilian outlet Lancenet, Mendes will face Frankie Edgar in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale on Dec. 11, one night before the UFC Featherweight Title is up for grabs between Jose Aldo and McGregor.
Edgar said this week he was open to either Max Holloway or Jeremy Stephens - two featherweights who had called him out recently - for that main event slot, but a fight with Mendes is one which has been talked about for the last year.
The former UFC Lightweight Champion fought Aldo for the Featherweight Title back in 2013, losing a decision at UFC 156. He's won four straight since then, taking out Charles Oliveira, B.J. Penn, Cub Swanson, and Urijah Faber in succession.
Mendes would fight in his fourth straight main event, having sandwiched a win over Ricardo Lamas with his title losses to Aldo and McGregor. However, with the McGregor fight coming on two weeks notice, the Team Alpha Male competitor hasn't lost much in the way of status in the division.
Penick's Analysis: This is a fantastic fight even with Mendes losing to McGregor. That said, could be a slightly tumultuous one depending on the result. Still, Mendes can earn a rematch with Aldo/McGregor with a win, while Edgar can finally get his title shot as well in victory, and either is available if needed as backup for UFC 194.
[Frankie Edgar art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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