Frankie Edgar has been called the best lightweight in the world as well as the best pound-for-pound fighters in MMA. That’s quite an achievement for a man who’s only managed two title defences and has now lost two fights back-to-back.
He has received such plaudits mainly because, at 5’6”, he is one of the smallest lightweights around but has risen to the top of the division despite his size.
In doing so, he has demonstrated the skills and heart of a true champion, but after his defeat to Benson Henderson in their rematch at UFC 150, calls for him to leave the division are now being heard once again.
It is something UFC president Dana White has suggested many times, believing that the New Jersey native would be a much better prospect challenging Jose Aldo at featherweight. And it’s something Edgar himself says he is contemplating.
That much is understandable. He would have a much easier time fighting opponents his own size. However, considering what he has achieved at lightweight, there is no reason why he should make that move.
He is still one of the top-five heavyweights out there, and considering how deep that division is in the UFC, that’s a remarkable achievement.
Both of his losses to Benson Henderson were controversial decisions—with many believing, particularly in their last encounter, that Edgar was the better fighter.
With such an impressive showing against the lightweight champion, it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t belong in that division.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com