Edgar vs. Mendes to headline TUF 22 Finale

Frankie Edgar doesn't like to take the path of least resistance.

The top-ranked UFC featherweight without a belt strapped around his waist, Edgar is set to return to the Octagon against three-time title challenger Chad Mendes at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale on Dec. 11.

Originally rumored to face Max Holloway or Jeremy Stephens, Edgar is arguably taking a tougher path to the 145-pound championship, as Mendes boasts a stronger, more well-rounded skill set than either of them.

The 30-year-old Mendes is the gatekeeper at featherweight, separating the wheat from the chaff in the division's upper echelon. In his last trip to the Octagon, "Money" failed in his quest to capture the interim title, losing via TKO to Conor McGregor.

The TUF 22 Finale also boasts a lightweight battle between Tony Ferguson and the returning Khabib Nurmagomedov.