Having heard incessant ramblings urging him to drop to featherweight, ever since he lost his lightweight title to Ben Henderson back in February, his failure to recapture the title has convinced Frankie Edgar, yes, it’s time to make that move.
One of the smallest lightweights in the division’s history, the fact that he was able to reach the pinnacle of the sport at 155 lbs is testament to Edgar’s prowess as a mixed martial artist and a rejuvenated career awaits the 30-year-old in the lower weight classes.
His coaches say Edgar, who walks around at 158 pounds, could easily cut to bantamweight and challenge the likes of Dominick Cruz and Renan Barao, but it’s been revealed that he’s likely to pass through the featherweights on his way down.
This is partly because a lucrative “super-fight” between him and Jose Aldo beckons. The Brazilian has openly challenged Edgar, saying that he wants to “shut him off” from the division.
However, Dana White says that he will not be given an instant title fight against Aldo, which throws open the possibility of several matchups at 145 pounds.
Frankie Edgar vs. Chan-Sung Jung
The “Korean Zombie”, Chan-Sung Jung is on a tear at the moment, recently finishing Dustin Poirier via fourth-round submission, to stake his claim at Aldo’s title.
Chan-Sung has made it no secret that he wants Aldo next, and he has been named as a possible contender after the Aldo vs. Erik Koch fight set for Oct. 13.
But that fight is no guarantee, and with Edgar entering the division looking for a “gatekeeper” to send him to a title match, Chan-Sung could be the perfect opponent.
Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes
Chad Mendes is a stand-out featherweight whose only loss is to Aldo earlier this year.
Mendes was finished in the first round despite having gone 11 fights undefeated at that point.
Despite the loss, he’s still a significant threat in the featherweights, going back to winning form by defeating Cody McKenzie in July. For Edgar, he would make a significant scalp, proving that he could hang with the best of them at 145.
Frankie Edgar v Ricardo Lamas
Ricardo Lamas recently defeated the heavy favourite Hatsu Hioki by unanimous decision, capping a three-fight win streak in the UFC.
Hioki was offered a title shot against Aldo but turned it down to face, who he thought, would be a lesser opponent. He was wrong.
The win over Hioki has greatly enhanced Lamas’ standing in the featherweight division, making him a big enough name to face Edgar.
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