Due to the awe-inspiring run Aljamain Sterling has been on, there’s been lots of talk about the “Funk Master” fighting new bantamweight champ Petr Yan next. But, Pedro Munhoz believes if he goes out and defeats Frankie Edgar today in memorable fashion, he could shift that talk to him.
Munhoz hopes to “open path” to title shot
The 33-year-old Munhoz is booked to face Edgar today in the main event of UFC Vegas 7, which is going down at the Apex Facility. The fight will mark the first time Munhoz has fought, since he lost via decision to Sterling last June.
Sterling has already fought since then, however, as he quickly submitted Cory Sandhagen this past June. Due to that win, and the fact Sterling’s also defeated the likes of Jimmie Rivera and Cody Stamann during a five fight winning streak, many believe he has a title shot coming.
Well, while talking to MMA Fighting recently, Munhoz relayed his contention that he could jump into the pole position for a title shot, with a big win today.
“I believe that with an impressive victory over Frankie Edgar, because of his name, I already see an open path to the belt,” Munhoz said. “And the UFC knows the type of fighter I am. I don’t coast.
Many athletes play strategies, being aggressive is my strategy. That’s the fighting style I like and that’s what fans and the UFC like, so I believe that would give me a great jump towards a title shot.”
Could Munhoz be on to something here? While it is true that the UFC has yet to officially declare that Sterling’s next for Yan, it would be pretty surprising if the promotion tapped Munhoz for a title shot.
Even if he takes out Edgar today in highlight reel fashion. After all, Munhoz is coming off a loss to Sterling.
Might the UFC tap Edgar for a title shot though? If he records a jaw-dropping win today? They might.
Munhoz is impressed with Yan
And while talking about Yan, and how he thinks a fight with the Russian star would play out, the Brazilian said this.
“(Yan) is on a rise, he’s a durable and skilled young kid,” Munhoz said. “He’s a great name for the division, the new Era.
I think he’s great. Our fight would be fire. We have similar styles, we’re both knockout artists, my ground game and his stand-up are very aggressive, we both work on short-to-mid range distance with counters.
It would be an exciting fight. I think that’s another reason why a good win over Frankie gives me an open path to the (title) shot because they know it would be a pretty exciting fight.”
On paper, there’s lots to like about Yan vs. Munhoz, no question. But, it would also be really interesting to see whether Yan can deal with the comprehensive game of Sterling.
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