• UFC 153

Frankie Edgar to fight Jose Aldo at UFC 153

ESPN staff
August 31, 2012
Frankie Edgar lost to Ben Henderson last time out © Getty Images
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Frankie Edgar will get an immediate chance to become the UFC featherweight champion after it was announced he will fight Jose Aldo at UFC 153.

Aldo had been set to defend his crown against Erik Koch on October 13 in Rio de Janeiro, but injury has ruled Koch out of the bout. It is hard luck for the youngster, who saw his initial bout with Aldo postponed due to an injury to the champion.

Edgar is stepping down to 145lbs following his controversial loss to Ben Henderson in their lightweight title bout. Friday's news means he will fight in back-to-back title bouts.

"Frankie has had a tough go the last couple of times with the judges, but a lot of people think he belongs at 145lbs," UFC president Dana White told USA Today. "Well, here we go - Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar. People have been wanting to see this fight for a long time.

"Obviously, we've had a rough couple of weeks here at the UFC, and then sure enough, I walk in to work today, and Erik Koch is hurt. But Frankie Edgar, being the stud and the warrior that he is, steps up and accepts this fight."

Elsewhere, it was revealed that bantamweights Scott Jorgensen and John Albert will battle at UFC on Fox 5 in December. Two further bouts to be added to that card include Ultimate Fighter Live winner Michael Chiesa v Rafaello Oliveira and Eddie Yagin v Dennis Siver.

And at UFC 155, the final event of the year, a heavyweight match-up has been verbally agreed for December 29 as England's Phil De Fries takes on Matt Mitrione.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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