Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (17-4-1) is set to face Cub Swanson (21-5) next month in what looked like a No. 1 contender's fight until UFC president Dana White all but dismissed the pair as potential repeat opponents for title-holder Jose Aldo (24-1), and lined up Conor McGregor as the likely next title challenger if the champ gets past Chad Mendes (16-1) later this month. Edgar lost a decision to Aldo in 2013, and Swanson was quickly KO'd by "Scarface" back in 2009.
Since that time, Swanson has won six straight, and Edgar has won two in a row. McGregor has won his first four UFC fights and became a fast global star in the promotion.
It's because of that rapid rise to fame that Edgar understands White and the UFC's motivation in pushing the brash Irishman ahead of the title challenger's pack.�
"It doesn't surprise me," Edgar told ESPN.com in a recent interview. "As a promoter, it's probably the smart thing to do. He's got a lot of buzz going. Why have him lose before they can make money on that fight?"
Of course, Edgar wants another crack at Aldo and the featherweight title, should he get past Swanson on Nov. 22. Don't expect "The Answer" to do much more than get back to work if he doesn't get the opportunity, however.
"I do want to fight for the title after I beat Cub, but if I have to fight somebody else, what am I going to do?" he asked. "I can't sit around and feel sorry for myself. I have to go to work and get it done."��
As for how he thinks he himself would fare against the "Notorious" McGregor, Edgar was succinct.�I know I match up well against him," he said.
Would you rather see McGregor face the winner of Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes II, instead of having Edgar or Swanson vie for the featherweight title? Let us know in the comments section!
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooCagewriter
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