Apparently only hours after informing the media that WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis would get the next shot at UFC titleholder Frankie Edgar as originally planned, UFC President Dana White reversed course and decided the draw between Edgar and Maynard at UFC 125 made an immediate rematch necessary. MMAJunkie.com reported the change early this morning.
White told MMAJunkie the following:
I had a lot of people talking to me, and the reality is, Gray Maynard deserves that fight. We had planned on doing Anthony Pettis next, but Gray went in there and fought his ass off and deserves another chance.
If Pettis needs someone to commiserate with, he can reach out to Jon Fitch, who was expected to get a shot at UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre after defeating fellow contender Thiago Alves at UFC 117. Instead, White and company put Fitch’s shot on hold following the less-than-thrilling victory.
I think they should have unified the title first, then given Gray the winner.
they were in a tough spot either way, but I do think they should’ve waited awhile longer before announcing anything last night