Report: Frankie Edgar to Battle Cory Sandhagen in Bantamweight Debut

If for some reason you’ve been holding out hope Frankie Edgar would fight Conor McGregor next, well, it looks like that’s not going to be the case (as expected).

Talk regarding Edgar vs. McGregor

In recent years, both McGregor and Edgar have relayed that they would be interested in fighting one another, even though McGregor has been fighting at 155 and Edgar was at featherweight. Then, this past October, McGregor teased that he was going to battle Edgar in December, and the latter said he was down.

The timing of the campaign was far from ideal, however, as earlier this year Edgar announced he was dropping to bantamweight. It wasn’t long before Dana White punted talk of the bout happening.

Edgar vs. Sandhagen

Well, fast forward to today and ESPN is reporting that sources have informed the outlet Edgar and Sandhagen are going to fight on January 25th. The bout will serve as the co-main event for the UFC’s card in Raleigh, North Carolina.

So, this is a match-up that makes much more sense, as far as Edgar’s title shot aspirations. If he hopes to win another belt, then a win over the rising Sandhagen will move him into the title shot conversation at 135.

The 38-year-old Edgar (23-7-1) will be competing for the first time since July, when he lost via decision to reigning, 145 king, Max Holloway.

Sandhagen (12-1) is coming off a decision win over Raphael Assuncao in August, which moved the 27-year-old’s UFC record to 5-0. An impressive win for the surging fighter could very well deliver a title shot.