Frankie Edgar wants a new opponent as badly as his fans do.
Edgar, the UFC lightweight champion, has competed four times in the last 18 months, but only against two opponents. He defeated B.J. Penn for the title, and then faced the Hawaiian in an immediate rematch. Following those bouts Edgar fought Gray Maynard two times consecutively due to their first title meeting ending in a draw.
Edgar found benefits in becoming common with his foes, but is welcoming newcomers.
“Having to fight somebody two times in a row definitely makes you reinvent yourself,” Edgar explained to the MMA Beatdown show on the MMA DieHards Radio Network. “In that aspect it’s good to fight someone back-to-back. At the same time, it’s going to be nice to face someone different.”
At UFC 125 on New Year’s night, Edgar and Maynard had their first title affair. Maynard came out strong and had “The Answer” staggering and looking for a solution to “The Bully’s” onslaught. Edgar narrowly escaped Round 1, but bounced back strong to not let the belt slip away. The bout eventuated to a draw, therefore warranting and immediate rematch.
When the two lightweights met at UFC 136 this past Saturday in Houston, the bout initiated in the same fashion.
“When I was in the mix of it all I thought, ‘Man, it can’t be happening again,’ ” Edgar explained. “Once I went to the corner and asked if there was any adjustments I needed to make, I went to work. “
Edgar went to work, indeed.
Once again, the New Jersey native made a seemingly unreal comeback after Maynard’s battering and ended it with a fourth-round TKO of the TUF 5 participant. This put the questions about Edgar’s ability to finish his opponents to bed.
After a decisive victory such as Edgar’s at UFC 136, the fan base will inevitably grow, along with his confidence. Edgar is in a great position at the moment, but that does not mean the UFC lightweight champ is satisfied.
“I don’t think I’m the type of guy to ever get complacent just because of the way I motivate myself and my thought process,” Edgar explained. “I wouldn’t say I’m scared of anybody, but I definitely respect everybody. Whenever hear a new guy I’m going to fight, I put them on a pedestal. Because when I put them on a pedestal I know I have to train hard to beat them.”
There is a short list of opponents hovering at the top of the lightweight division that are gunning for Edgar’s belt. The Clay Guida-Ben Henderson winner is a likely contender in the near future. As one of the smallest combatants in the division, Edgar could easily drop to featherweight, but right now he rules at 155 pounds.
UFC president Dana White stated that he would like to see Edgar face featherweight champion Jose Aldo at 145 pounds. Edgar believes Aldo is a guy who could be successful at lightweight, the same as he is at featherweight. Edgar is impressed with the Brazilian’s skills, and the Clarion University (Pennsylvania) wrestler is entertaining the idea of two belts.
“It’s intriguing to go down there and possibly have two belts,” Edgar stated. “I may be a 145-pounder, but I’m the 155-pound champion. I want to defend my 155-pound title, but like I said, it is intriguing to check out the options down at (145 pounds).”
There have been talks of the winner of the upcoming between Henderson and Guida as Edgar’s next opponent. White mentioned he would like to see a superfight involving Aldo, adding he would make whomever switched divisions vacate their belt. However, most speculation surrounds the Strikeforce lightweight champion crossing over for an immediate shot at Edgar.
Gilbert Melendez is a two-time Strikeforce lightweight champion. He is currently scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal in his third title defense in December 2011. “El Nino” comes from the Cesar Gracie camp that houses Nick and Nate Diaz, as well as Jake Shields.
Edgar admitted that he is not too familiar with Melendez, but he recognizes that the Strikeforce champ is a worthy challenger.
“Gil is good, he’s ranked No. 2 in the world, so he would be more than formidable opponent,” Edgar said. “As far has what he brings to the table, I would have to watch him a little more. He’s tough, he’s on a tear, (and) his confidence is real high. He’s a little more well-rounded than Gray Maynard, but he’s not as big, so he’s probably faster. He’d be a tough guy to fight.”
Whether it be a lightweight on the current UFC roster, a newcomer from Strikeforce, or the reigning UFC featherweight champion, Edgar doesn’t have a preference in who he fights next.
“I want to do what the fans want, I want to do what Dana wants, and Lorenzo (Fertitta) and the guys at the UFC,” Edgar admitted. “I’ll let my coaches make decisions and my bosses make decisions, and I’ll fight whoever.”
The time has come for Edgar and his legion of fans to get what they want: A new opponent.
http://mmadiehards.com/features/frankie-edgar-is-ready-for-a-change-in-opposition/
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