The UFC featherweight division is the most talent-rich weight class in the sport today.
With numerous perennial contenders residing atop the division, the 145-pound title picture often resembles a thick fog.
But with champion Jose Aldo set to defend his title opposite rising superstar Conor McGregor at UFC 189 on July 11, the division is on standby.
News broke earlier this week that the pound-for-pound king injured his rib during a sparring session, which in turn flooded the mainstream media and prompted promotional nightmares.
In the event that Aldo's questionable health prevents him from fighting in about three weeks, the UFC has officially assigned No. 1-ranked Chad Mendes to serve as the main event's "contingency plan."
This came after other UFC fighters such as Nate Diaz, Urijah Faber and Irish newcomer Joseph Duffy, who is the last fighter to defeat McGregor, extended their willingness to fill in.
But the most recognizable name to surface after Aldo's training camp mishap was none other than Frankie Edgar, who immediately took to Twitter to post the following:
Staring at my phone like......... https://t.co/XamDf6PG4y
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) June 23, 2015
Unfortunately, the former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight top contender did not get the nod as the backup guy.
Instead, Mendes will be cutting weight and implementing an accelerated training camp leading up to UFC 189, which caught some people off guard considering the Team Alpha Male standout just lost to Aldo back in October at UFC 179.
Needless to say, Edgar was not pleased with the outcome. As an owner of a four-fight win streak, including victories over Cub Swanson and Faber, The Answer thought he'd be just that for a somewhat complex situation.
The 33-year-old veteran, whom many people believe won his fight opposite Aldo back at UFC 156 in February 2013, once again took to Twitter to express his disappointment:
Disappointed I wasn't the stand by guy. Felt it should of been me, think a lot of you feel the same. Thanks for all the support.
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) June 25, 2015
While Edgar seems like the most obvious choice for such a role come July, the UFC desperately needed someone who can not only test McGregor's in-cage abilities but provide enough bad blood to maintain international interest.
Edgar just isn't the type of fighter to offer that in such a spot, while McGregor and Mendes already share a dislike for each other.
That's why the UFC ultimately chose Mendes over Edgar because the sex appeal of such a matchup at least resides in the same zip code as Aldo vs. McGregor.
But Edgar is not going to accept that reason. As someone who has broken his back for the promotion for more than eight years, he feels entitled to such an opportunity.
And why shouldn't he? Having only lost to Aldo and Benson Henderson in three close-knit title fights since 2008, he's been one of the most productive and consistent fighters around.
Not to mention he is a quintessential company man above all else.
It's a harsh reality but one that Edgar must live in order to move forward and remain a top contender option heading into 2016.
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