F. Edgar fighting for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @frankieedgar
A highly anticipated clash by MMA fans will take place this Saturday (27), at UFC 240, in Edmonton, Canada. In the country, Max Holloway will defend his featherweight title (up to 65,7kg), this time against the experienced Frankie Edgar. Max comes from defeat to Dustin poirier, which took place in April, when the Hawaiian moved up a category to try to win the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.). For Edgar, his opponent's setback may have served as additional motivation for this Saturday's fight. The statement was made in a recent interview with 'BJPenn.com'.
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“Each one is different. Each person deals with defeat in a different way. He (Holloway) may have distrusted himself after losing or he may have been super-motivated. I hope to see a motivated guy,” said Frankie.
Even recognizing the setback of his rival this Saturday, Edgar made a point of highlighting the great fight promoted by Max and Poirier. For Frankie, his opponent played a big role and gave the audience a spectacle worthy of a title fight.
“It was a defeat, but it was a fantastic fight. He did tremendously well. He managed to win a few rounds. If some things had been different, he could have ended the match as the winner”, praised the North American.
Edgar made a point of mentioning the difference between the styles between him and Poirier, by whom Max was defeated. For Frankie, Holloway will face a high-level wrestling athlete, which could be a differentiating factor in the fight, as Holloway has proven that he does very well against athletes who fight standing up.
"We will see. We've seen him (Holloway) face good wrestlers in the past, but I think I'll be the best he's ever faced. It's something I always use in my fights. I know he prepared himself and is waiting for my takedowns”, suggested 'The Answer'.
Edgar believes that one of his chances of success is to win by submission. The North American believes he can get into the Hawaiian's mind and make him doubt himself during the fight.
“I’m going to go in there and try to finish him. That's right. He's a tough guy, so let's see what happens. It could be a five-round fight or I could finish him sooner. What matters is victory. I have to make him doubt himself. I have to make him despair and I do it like few people do. This is the key to triumph”, concluded Frankie.
At 37 years old, this could be Edgar's last opportunity to challenge for the Ultimate featherweight title. The athlete has already been a challenger in the category in two situations; both against the Brazilian José Aldo and at every opportunity he was defeated. The fighter has a professional record of 30 fights, 23 wins, six defeats and one draw.
10 years younger than his opponent, Holloway will try to maintain his hegemony in the division and hold on to his linear title, won by beating the 'People's Champion' in 2017. At 27 years old, Holloway has already appeared professionally in 23 fights, winning 20 and suffering three setbacks. The last one, among the featherweights, happened against Conor McGregor almost six years ago.
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