Frankie Edgar Says Next Title Shot at 145 Should be His; is The Legend Right?

Since Max Holloway failed to win the interim lightweight title at UFC 236, the expectation is that “Blessed” will defend his featherweight crown next. Frankie Edgar is saying the title shot should be his. Is the legend right?

Holloway moved up to 155 at the recent event to face Dustin Poirier for the interim belt, but, the latter went on to record a decision win. As a result, the consensus is that Holloway will return to featherweight and will look to extend his reign as champ.

So if that happens, who will the Hawaiian star face? Well, rising star Alexander Volkanovski is going to battle former champ, Jose Aldo on May 10th. If Volkanovki gets by the legendary fighter, his case for a scrap with Holloway will be pretty strong. Since Aldo has already lost to Holloway twice, however, it’s unlikely a win at UFC 237 will deliver him another crack at the belt.

Well, recently Edgar spoke with ESPN recently, and while doing so, the former lightweight champ said this:

“I think everybody knows it should go to me,” Edgar said. “Even the guys who want the shot, you [hear] them say, ‘Well, I know Frankie should get it, but…’ You know? Alexander Volkanovski is fighting Jose Aldo in a few weeks and that may have an impact, but I think everybody knows it’s me. I’ve worked my entire career for it to be me.

“The fact I put it on the line the last time Max and I were supposed to meet up, that holds some weight. I know the UFC likes to reward people who are willing to just let it fly. I’ve done that my whole career. I’m ready for that reward.”

“…I know I’m only on a one-fight win streak, but people do realize that I took a risk and went for it. And I’d do it again, because that’s the kind of guy I am.”

There’s a couple of things to look at here. First off, if Aldo defeats Volkanovski, then one would think Edgar will get tapped for a bout with Holloway. The champ has already defeated top contenders in Brian Ortega and Aldo, and the #5 ranked Renato “Moicano” was stopped by Aldo not long ago. So, having Edgar face Holloway next would seem like a no-brainer.

But what if Volkanovski wins? Well, that would put his UFC record at 7-0, and he will have just defeated one of the greatest, if not the greatest, featherweight of all time. A fighter, let’s remember, who holds two wins over Edgar.

So, if Volkanovski wins, and if you like your matchmaking done with traditional, meritocratic standards, it’s kind of hard to side with Edgar here. Yes, even if you really, really want to see the legend fight for the 145 title.