Frankie Edgar Picks Jose Aldo For Victory At UFC 194
Former UFC lightweight champion and current featherweight contender Frankie Edgar has suffered a number of setbacks in his recent four-fight winning spree, although none are resultant of his form. The knocks he’s taken have been in relation to his quest for a title shot, finding a closed door on multiple occasions when attempting to step in for the injured Jose Aldo at UFC 189 and in his previous calls for a shot at the strap.
Having defeated Cub Swanson, Charles Oliveira, Urijah Faber and BJ Penn since his move to 145 pounds, it’s hard to argue against the fact ‘The Answer’ really does deserve a title fight without having to compete again. As it stands, Aldo and McGregor will settle their score at UFC 194, but Edgar has now stated he wants another fight to stay active rather than wait it out.
Talking with Severe MMA, as transcribed by MMAFighting’s David St. Martin, Edgar says he hopes to fight on the UFC 194 card this coming December, and will want to be head of the line if either champion drops out:
“I’m hoping to fight around that time, anyway, then I don’t have to worry about it. I’ll be in camp anyway if something comes up. I really do think [Aldo and McGregor] are going to fight this time around, but you never know. I was ready to jump in on 15 days notice. No matter what I’ll be ready to go again.”
“I think I should be the guy, no matter what,” said Edgar. “I do want to fight again. I don’t want to wait until [Aldo and McGregor] fight and then how many months after that. I’ve got to take care of business but I believe I am the No. 1 contender.”
Edgar’s renewed sense of vigour at featherweight is refreshing to see, as he had started to become stagnant following straight losses to Benson Henderson at 155 pounds. Although his divisional debut was a loss to current champ ‘Scarface’, ‘The Answer’ says he is now feeling great at the lower weight:
“I feel like I’m competitive [at 145 pounds] and I feel like I’m right there,” said Edgar. “I’m one fight away. I think I could probably not fight and still get the title shot. I think I’ve earned that. Why would I knock on the door and not wait for someone to answer and leave? I don’t think I’ll ever rule out 135 in the future. Who knows? Right now, 145 is my goal.”
When asked of the result of the main event at UFC 194, should both men stay healthy, Edgar goes with former opponent Aldo as his pick to win:
“When I was asked this before the first fight was supposed to happen I said there were some unknowns about McGregor,” said Edgar. “I went with Aldo. I thought Aldo would win and I’m still going to give him the nod but I think it’s going to be more competitive than I expected.”
Whatever the case, Edgar can expect a second featherweight title fight with a win at his proposed next fight at UFC 194, but there’s always the possibility of an immediate rematch if there’s a controversial win in the featherweight unification match.
Is Frankie going to Hollywood with his next win, or is he destined to beat the best of the best, bar the boss?
