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Bantamweight Pedro Munhoz thinks former champion Frankie Edgar did not want to face him in a main event.
Bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz believes Frankie Edgar turned down a chance to fight him in a five-rounder on July 15. Originally scheduled to meet the former lightweight champion at UFC 251, on July 11, Munhoz was then moved to the UFC Fight Night 172 card, four days later.
Although the card is scheduled to be headlined by featherweights Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige, Munhoz told Ag Fight that he and Edgar were offered to be on the main event, but Frankie did not accept the offer. In Pedro’s opinion, his opponent did not want to have a five-round battle in his bantamweight debut, something the Brazilian claims to understand.
“We were going to fight on July 11, but that card got stacked pretty fast, so they moved us to July 15. Allegedly, we had the opportunity to headline, but since it’s Frankie’s first time at bantamweight, I believe he didn’t want to expose himself to a five-round fight. He has fought in those for most of his career, but he chose to fight for three rounds.
“I understand his decision, it’s his first time dropping to bantamweight. Now, we’re the co-main event. I’m glad the fight is still on. It’s a big name and the one I asked for to the UFC. I asked for the biggest names possible and they gave me Frankie Edgar. I felt pretty honored and happy for having the opportunity to face a living legend of the sport.”
In his last outing, Munhoz (18-4-1 NC) dropped a unanimous decision to Aljaman Sterling, back in July 2019. The loss snapped a three-fight win streak for the 33-year-old, with victories over Brett Johns, Bryan Caraway and former champion Cody Garbrandt.
Now, Munhoz is expected to take on Edgar at UFC Fight Night 172, on July 15, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The card is scheduled to be headlined by a featherweight bout between contenders Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige.