Frankie Edgar looking for Max Holloway title fight in March 2018
GettyImages Frankie Edgar at the UFC 200 weigh-in
The 36-year-old former lightweight champion came under some criticism from UFC President Dana White, but has insisted the injury to his foot was a ‘freak accident’ and he is ‘not anticipating something like that to happen again.’ Edgar told MMAJunkie “It felt like a loss. I trained hard and didn’t really get to compete. Watching the fight, it left a pit in my stomach the whole time. But I’m looking to re-book that fight and looking to get in there with Holloway as soon as he’s able.”
GettyImages Frankie Edgar was defeated by Jose Aldo at UFC 200
Since dropping down to Featherweight in 2013, Edgar has collected 7 wins and been defeated twice, both times to his UFC 218 replacement, Jose Aldo. But with Aldo now seemingly out of the title conversation following back-to-back defeats to now champion, Max Holloway, Edgar sees early 2018 as the perfect time to claim the featherweight belt. “I think it’s the fight that makes most sense.” believes Edgar. “We haven’t fought. He’s kind of running through everybody. Let’s me and him get it done. We had a plan. I know the fans want to see it. I’m pretty sure Max wants to fight me, so let’s make it happen.”
GettyImages Edgar defeated highly-rated Yair Rodriguez at UFC 211 to get himself back into title contention
Edgar’s case for a title shot was further strengthened this weekend by fellow featherweight Brian Ortega. Despite defeating #4 contender Cub Swanson by submission in the 2nd round at UFC Fight Night 123, the undefeated Ortega insisted it should not be he who gets the next shot at Holloway, but Edgar. Speaking in the octagon after his win in California, Ortega said “I’m respectful for the shot (Frankie’s) earned.
GettyImages Brian Ortega says he will respect Edgar's title shot and wait for him to fight Holloway