Issue 138

February 2016

Frankie Edgar utilizes a nuclear left hook to blow up Chad Mendes at TUF 22 Finale

There can be no doubt that Frankie Edgar deserves a shot at the UFC featherweight title after his first-round destruction of one of the most dangerous men in MMA. Chad Mendes is one of the heaviest pound-for-pound punchers in the sport, but ‘The Answer’ reaffirmed his title aspirations by deciding to exchange with ‘Money’ from the opening bell. And it paid off too, as Toms River, New Jersey’s favorite son detonated his opponent after just 148 seconds.

Edgar’s durability was questioned going into this fight after his long career of wars, but there was no doubt in his mind he’d not only be able to survive Mendes’ offense, but fire back with even greater ferocity. 

“I always prepare for battles,” Edgar says. “I always get my mind right that I’m going to walk away with a bloody nose and stitches. That’s just how I like to prepare – just to mentally get right. It was nice to walk out of there unscathed and get the KO, especially because everyone was talking about Chad’s power. Of course, it was something I had to worry about, but I’ve got a little juice too.” 

That was an understatement as the former UFC lightweight champion showed he had superior speed and crisper boxing as he stepped into the pocket, exchanged punches and dropped his opponent with one of the cleanest strikes you’re likely to see in the cage. It was impossible not to be impressed. 

“Sometimes you have to put the stamp on it and he put the stamp on it,” said UFC president Dana White. “He went in there and looked spectacular and I guarantee he’s got people buzzing.”

Perfect 10

Edgar’s $50,000 ‘Performance of the Night’ reward was his 10th post-fight UFC bonus.

Pocket rocket

“It’s kind of funny because everyone was talking about how he had the power, I was a volume guy. True, but this dude’s got a little pop too, son.” 

Earning a shot

“I knew I had to stand out and it couldn’t happen at a better time with a big KO.”

Need for speed

“Mark (Henry, boxing coach) says, ‘Whenever you’re going to throw, speed up your punches.’ I felt we were both throwing at the same time, I just sped mine up and I was lucky enough to catch him and put him away.”