UFC on Fox 1: The Winner of Ben Henderson vs. Clay Guida Deserves a Title Shot

First there was Anthony Pettis, then there was Jim Miller, then there was Melvin Guillard.

One by one, the challengers to the lightweight title fell by the wayside, until the only remaining challengers were Ben Henderson and Clay Guida.

These two relentless lightweights will faceoff at UFC on Fox 1, with a likely No. 1 contender spot on the line.

However, there are two things that could stop the winner from taking on Frankie Edgar.

1. Gilbert Melendez

If Melendez wins his fight on December 17, he will make his way over to the UFC, and could potentially have an immediate title fight.

He shouldn't get it. None of the Strikeforce champions got it, and Melendez should be no different.

2. An Unimpressive Victory

Should this fight—unexpectedly—be a snoozer, then the talks of a title will not be as great as if these two have a three-round brawl for the ages.

Reason No. 2 is why Dana White is always reluctant to say whether or not a fight will be for the No. 1 contender position—unless Brock Lesnar is involved.

However, even if there is an unimpressive victory from Henderson or Guida, and if Melendez loses his fight against Jorge Masdival, there would quite literally be no other top contenders in the lightweight division.

The winner of Henderson and Guida deserves a title shot. Guida has been in the UFC since 2006, and Henderson has been under Zuffa control for more than two years.

Both have been fighting for a long time, both deserve a shot at the ultimate goal: the UFC title.

The winner deserves a title shot, not just because there's nobody else, but because they've earned it.