It would be unfair to talk of Frankie Edgar leaving the division, especially considering the bitterly close loss to Ben Henderson in their rematch at UFC 150 last Saturday. But the New Jersey native has been hearing such talk for years, and having failed to recapture his belt, the talk will only grow louder.
Edgar is hopelessly outsized by all the top lightweights, and it’s remarkable that he was able to capture the title at all, considering his size.
But capture the title he did, and to say that he couldn’t do it again is premature.
Still, it’s a long way back to contention considering how stacked the division is, and that fact alone should mean that Edgar has to reconsider his career at that weight class.
Henderson’s next match is set to be Nick Diaz, after which he has any number of men, from Anthony Pettis to Donald Cerrone, to contend with.
Edgar would have to rise to the top of this pack if he wants another shot at the belt. However, if he chooses to drop 10 pounds and fight at 145, an instant title match is awaiting him against Jose Aldo.
That fact alone could decide the future of his career. The potential to reign over the featherweights rather than continue to struggle against the 155-pounders, must be extremely tempting.
Even though Edgar refuses to accept that he’s outmatched at lightweight, he has also admitted that dropping to 145 is a possibility. Now, having lost against Henderson for the second time, that possibility could be becoming more real.
That wouldn’t have to mean that he’s done at 155. He could return as a rejuvenated fighter after spending some time below, and try and take one more shot at the lightweight title. At age 30, his career is far from over, and he has the time and talent to make that happen.
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