Cub Swanson: I’m Getting the Next Shot at Jose Aldo If I Beat Frankie Edgar

Fight fans should at least consider pumping the brakes on a UFC featherweight title bout between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor, particularly because Cub Swanson is just one win away from a title shot. 
Of course, bear in mind that this information …

Fight fans should at least consider pumping the brakes on a UFC featherweight title bout between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor, particularly because Cub Swanson is just one win away from a title shot. 

Of course, bear in mind that this information is coming from Swanson himself. 

After a five-round classic between Aldo and Chad Mendes at UFC 179, fight fans were perplexed as to why McGregor, a surging 145-pound contender, is booked to fight Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 59 in January. 

However, according to Swanson, the match makes perfect sense: 

While Swanson may not have McGregor’s larger-than-life presence at press conferences, it’s tough to ignore his six-fight win streak inside the Octagon dating back to January 2012. 

Notching four knockouts in that 34-month span, the Greg Jackson’s MMA product most recently defeated Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night 44 in June by unanimous decision. 

A win over Frankie Edgar, a former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight title challenger, at UFC Fight Night 57 next month would give the No. 2-ranked featherweight in the UFC’s official rankings a great case for a championship fight. 

McGregor, the No. 5 featherweight, is currently riding a 12-fight win streak, with his last four victories coming inside of the Octagon. 

Although his last knockout over perennial contender Dustin Poirier at UFC 178 last month was impressive, it would be difficult to argue that McGregor’s recent level of competition was greater than or equal to that of the opponents Swanson has faced. 

One factor working against Swanson is that he fought Aldo under the WEC banner back in June 2009, ending up on the wrong end of a highlight reel when he get knocked out in eight seconds with a rarely seen double flying knee. 

If Swanson and McGregor both win their respective upcoming matchups, who deserves to get the next crack at Aldo?

 

John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.

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