Frankie Edgar is no stranger to high-stakes fights.
Over the past four years, the fighting pride of Toms River, New Jersey, has been scrapping it out with the best lightweight and featherweight fighters under the UFC banner, and he has consistently done so as either champion or challenger. And while he’s experienced success and setbacks alike during this stretch, The Answer has further solidified his reputation as one of the most resilient and doggedly determined fighters to ever step inside the Octagon for his willingness to lay it all on the line each and every time out.
Yet, no matter how memorable the performance or how lofty past accomplishments may seem, Edgar’s ultimate goal is to become a champion once again. That said, Edgar is currently in a holding pattern in the 145-pound weight class.
Having faced featherweight king Jose Aldo three fights back, Edgar still has some ground to make up before earning another shot at the title. This makes his upcoming bout with Cub Swanson at Fight Night 57 all the more critical. The 29-year-old Palms Springs native carved his way up the featherweight ranks on the strength of a six-fight winning streak in pursuit of his first shot at the 145-pound crown, which UFC President Dana White confirmed he will get with a victory over Edgar.
The Jackson/Winkeljohn-trained knockout artist will bring two years’ worth of momentum into their main event tilt on Saturday night in Austin, Texas, but that’s precisely what led Edgar to set his sights on Swanson in the first place. The resurgent contender recognizes and respects the work the former WEC veteran has done to earn his current position, but Edgar is also fully aware of what could come with a victory over the unorthodox striker.
Edgar is on the hunt to get back to a title shot, and he sees derailing Swanson as his way of jumping to the front of the line at 145 pounds.
“In my mind, this is the most important fight of my career,” Edgar told Bleacher Report. “That’s how every fight should be. I believe you’re really only as good as your last fight, and I know I need a win here to get to my goal of being a champion again. That means everything to me.”
In addition to the bout between Swanson and Edgar carrying future title implications, the dynamics of their respective styles have fight fans eager to see the action get underway. Swanson has proven knockout power in his hands, feet and knees that he can utilize from unconventional angles, and Edgar has a movement-heavy attack that he built to accompany his solid wrestling skills.
And while Swanson is undoubtedly dangerous from the opening bell to the last, Edgar believes he knows where his biggest opportunities will materialize. He’s forged a legacy out of his ability to shift gears on the fly, and he believes his ability to do so will make all the difference on Saturday night.
“Cub [Swanson] brings a lot to the table,” Edgar said. “He’s unpredictable and has a lot of power, but while that unpredictability is one of his strengths, it also leaves some openings. I think this fight could really hit every single aspect of MMA. The whole point of doing what we do is to be a complete mixed martial arts fighter, and I think fans are going to see the better mixed martial arts fighter win.
“You try to prepare for those things, but it’s hard to find someone to emulate that type of style. It’s more along the lines of pressure under fire and making the adjustments when they happen. And I think I do that better than most people.
“I have the ability to adjust under fire, and some of that comes with experience and some comes naturally, but I really have to give it up to my coaches. They are great at seeing things as they happen and know what adjustments to tell me. I have such a good rhythm with my coaches that I can hear what they are saying and make the necessary adjustments on the fly. There are definitely going to be some dangerous spots, but there are going to be opportunities there as well.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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