On Sunday night in Las Vegas, Frankie Edgar moved to 3-0 against BJ Penn in his career. That win came as a result of a TKO on the ground, where Edgar battered Penn with big ground-and-pound.
The win keeps Edgar in the top part of the featherweight division, as the former lightweight champ is now 2-1 as a featherweight, with his only loss coming to current champ Jose Aldo. He has to be around the title picture, especially given his credentials.
So, what’s next for Mr. Edgar at 145? Here are three fights Edgar could take next.
Urijah Faber
UFC 176 needs a main event. Urijah Faber fought Saturday night. Frankie Edgar fought Sunday night.
Perhaps these two could make a quick turnaround for that main event.
Faber would have to move up from bantamweight to take this fight. But as a former featherweight world champion, he would likely jump at the opportunity. It’s also a great stylistic matchup, as both men are boxing wrestlers.
It’s a sort of “superfight” that could draw interest. Faber is a definite draw, and Edgar is no slouch himself.
Of course, both men will have to come out of their fights without injuries, so this may be a pipe dream.
Chad Mendes
Chad Mendes was set to fight Jose Aldo in the UFC 176 main event. If he wishes to still headline, maybe Edgar could be his opponent.
It could be a top contender’s bout between the two. It could eliminate a challenger to Aldo while presenting the outright No. 1 contender.
Edgar’s speed versus Mendes‘ power would be a nice contrast. It could be an entertaining fight that saves a main event that needs bodies right now.
Cub Swanson
Cub Swanson is probably next in line for a title shot after Mendes. If he wishes to stay busy, a top contender’s fight with Edgar could be awesome.
Swanson is a devastating striker who has been on a huge run lately. He would present a fun challenge to Edgar, as Edgar is quick and tough. It would be crazy to see him try to use his chin against Swanson’s power.
It’s a fight that could headline a Fox show or co-headline a pay-per-view card. It’s also a lock for a Fight of the Night for any card it would be on.
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