Frankie Edgar Understands Chan Sung Jung is “no Joke”, Has Message For Cory Sandhagen

Frankie Edgar hasn’t closed the door on throwing hands with Cory Sandhagen next month, as he was originally scheduled to do. But, the former lightweight champ understands he needs to focus all his energy on getting past the ridiculously, dangerous Chan Sung Jung first.

Edgar is dialed in on beating “The Korean Zombie”

Originally, Edgar was supposed to fight Sandhagen at UFC Raleigh, January 25th, in what was going to be the legend’s bantamweight debut. But, after Brian Ortega recently went down with a knee injury. Edgar offered to face Jung at UFC Busan, December 21st.

Since then, it’s been reported that if Edgar makes it through the fight healthy, he could still fight the rising bantamweight. While talking to MMA Fighting recently about his plans, however, Edgar said this:

“Right now, I really don’t want to think about Cory. I think I’ve got to worry about the Zombie, first and foremost,” Edgar said. “I mean hey I’ll never say die. If it works out, we’ll see what happens but the test in front of me is no joke. I know it will be a great fight with him. That’s first and foremost.

“There’s no gimmes in this sport, especially a guy like “The Korean Zombie” with his fighting style. I’m expecting a war. I’m preparing for a war. That’s the kind of fighter I am. I can’t think about January right now. I’ve got to worry about Dec. 21. That’s what’s on my mind.”

Yup. When it was reported that Edgar – Sandhagen could still happen, more than a few people opined that it’s hard to imagine the fight still taking place. The reason being, as Edgar alluded to, that Jung is one of the toughest, most aggressive and talented featherweights on the UFC roster. Further, UFC Raleigh is just around the corner. Sandhagen has also said he doesn’t believe Edgar will be good to go.

Edgar delivers message to Sandhagen

During the interview, Edgar also had a message for Sandhagen, who was understandably not happen with what’s transpired here. After all, now the biggest opportunity of his career is up in the air.

“It sucks. That’s the breaks,” Edgar said. “I’ve definitely been disappointed in this game quite a bit myself. I’m sure I’ll meet him down the road if not in January.”

There you have it. It will be interesting to see what unfolds at UFC Busan, and who the promotion taps for Sandhagen next month, if the need does indeed arise.