Frankie Edgar Still Believes He’s ‘The Guy’ for Next Title Shot After UFC Fight Night 128 Victory

Heading into UFC Fight Night 128, there was some question as to whether Frankie Edgar should be returning to the Octagon less than 50 days after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Brian Ortega.

“The Answer” proved he was more than up to the task, as he captured a three-round verdict in a rematch against Cub Swanson in Saturday’s co-headliner at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

“I know you were a little concerned about me jumping in there a little too quickly. I hope I didn’t scare you too much,” Edgar said in an interview on Fox Sports 1.

“I think there’s always a relief after a fight, especially after a W. I’m glad I’m back on track. It doesn’t erase that last loss, but it definitely makes it easier to get over.”

The former lightweight champion was supposed to have challenged Max Holloway for the featherweight belt at UFC 222, but Holloway was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury. As a result, Holloway agreed to face Ortega in a title eliminator bout. Now, Ortega will challenge Holloway for 145-pound gold at UFC 226 in Las Vegas on July 7.

Edgar has been in numerous title fights throughout his promotional tenure, and he believes that his win over Swanson puts him right back near the top of the heap in the featherweight division.

“I do feel like I’m the guy,” Edgar said. “I’m No. 3 [ranked]. I did have that title shot with Max, he got hurt and I put it on the line against Ortega. I was doing well, he caught me with a shot I didn’t see. I’d love to run it back with Ortega if he wins or if Max stays the champion, I’d love a shot at Max.”

Regardless of who he faces next, expect Edgar to compete with a chip on his shoulder like always.

“I feel like I always have a point to prove and a statement to make,” Edgar said. “If you want to be at the top of the heap you’ve got to constantly put out good performances. That’s what I try to do. The last one didn’t go my way, but this one did.”