Cub Swanson Shoots Down ‘Shady’ Frankie Edgar Announcement, ‘The Answer’ Says ‘Let’s Do It’

UFC featherweight competitor Cub Swanson has made good use of his time at 145 pounds; winning six straight fights and scoring four brutal knockouts in the process. With the top of the division temporarily tied up, chatter has moved to who may be next for ‘Beautiful Destruction’- should he want to stay active while Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes II transpires at UFC 179.

Swanson had previously spoke about fighting the winner of Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn III, and the fight looked to be becoming reality as Edgar’s manager Ali Abdelaziz near enough announced the bout over Twitter. For Swanson though, this was a little inaccurate, as he also too to social media to proclaim his plans:

I can’t wait to fight the winner of Aldo/Mendes! Either way the fight goes #UnfinishedBusiness

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 29, 2014

Cub also noted that the announcement was ‘Shady’ on the part of Edgar’s management. So Swanson still seems to have his sights set on a title fight next time out, but ‘The Answer’ spoke to MMAJunkie.com recently and had a different view:

“I think I’m probably his toughest fight, his toughest out, his toughest way to the title, but if you want to be the champ, you’ve got to go beat everybody. If he doesn’t fight me now, he’s going to have to fight be sooner or later. Might as well get it done now. We’ve got time.  think it’s the fight that makes the most sense,” Edgar said. “To sit around and wait for those guys to fight? I think this makes more sense. Ali suggested that fight, and it seems like it’s gotten a great response in social media. Let’s give the fans what they want: Dec. 12, big FOX. Can’t beat it.”

Obviously Edgar would call for a fight that would decide the next in line for a title shot and, if Swanson would accept, the why not? ‘The Answer’ is on a two-fight spree at present, but is surely behind ‘Beautiful Destruction’ in the title race. At this stage, I wouldn’t knock Swanson for turning Edgar down, but it really is a 50/50 call for the Southern Californian to make.

Staying inactive, no matter what period of time for, can be bad for one’s title hopes. Especially considering that Jose Aldo picks up more injuries now than he ever has. Could Swanson shoot himself in the foot like Joe Riggs by sitting out, or would fighting Edgar be more risk than it’s worth?