Manager: Frankie Edgar’s “The Right Guy” And “Worst Match-up” For Max Holloway

Frankie Edgar has been campaigning for a bout with Max Holloway, and now his manager’s also making an emphatic case for his client to get that scrap.

After Holloway stopped Brian Ortega at UFC 231 last month, Edgar relayed he’s hoping to finally throw hands with the featherweight champ. The two were supposed to fight last March, but when Holloway went down with an injury, Ortega was tapped for the bout. Ortega proceeded to KO Edgar in the first round.

Well, more recently Edgar’s manager Ali Abdelaziz spoke with MMA Fighting. While discussing Edgar and what’s next for the former lightweight champ, Abdelaziz said this:

“Max (Holloway) is a good champion, but Max hasn’t ever fought a wrestler like Frankie. And Frankie, as tough as he is, when he fought (Brian) Ortega he got caught with an elbow, and fair and square, Ortega got the win — but I’m telling you, Frankie is the worst matchup for Max.”

“I believe if Frankie takes Max down — and he will — Max will not get up, because he tried to play guard and [play on the ground against Ortega]. Frankie will probably try to put a hole through his head. That’s what Frankie will do to him. … Frankie is the right guy for that fight. This is the fight Max should be asking for right now.”

“99.9 percent, Frankie gets that title shot. They owe him. The UFC owes him, Max owes him. Who’s a bigger name up there at 145 pounds right now who can fight outside of (Jose) Aldo, because Max fought Aldo already?…”

There’s no doubt that a lot of folks would like to see Edgar get this fight. Not only because of what Edgar has accomplished during his career, but because of the wrestling game he’ll challenge Holloway with.

“Blessed” has showcased tremendous takedown defense during his UFC run, but he has yet to face an NCAA Division 1 wrestling pedigree like Edgar has. An offense which is also equipped with amazing footwork and fast hands.

Now, if Holloway remains at 145, one would think that Edgar has a really good chance of getting his shot, as Abdelaziz noted. Renato Moicano is fighting Jose Aldo on February 2nd, but, it probably will take a huge, decisive win to jump over Edgar.

The other guy in the mix is Alexander Volkanovski, who is coming off an impressive stoppage win over Chad Mendes. But, due to Edgar’s legacy and fanbase, it’s also hard to imagine Volkanovski getting tapped over the former champ.