Frankie Edgar wasn't even close to dropping to featherweight.
Despite UFC boss Dana White's wish to see Edgar (14-2-1 MMA, 9-2-1 UFC) move down and challenge Jose Aldo for the featherweight strap, the former lightweight champ today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (
MMAjunkie.com Radio | MMAjunkie.com) that he was holding out for a rematch with the man who took his belt, Benson Henderson (16-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC).
"I don't think going out on a loss, especially one that close – it's just not my style, I guess you could say," Edgar said.
Edgar lost a unanimous decision to Henderson at UFC 144 in February, but it was the kind of call that had some fans (or maybe just Edgar people) up in arms about MMA scoring.
Of course, "The Answer" thought he won the fight. But he's moving on.
"That's in the past," Edgar said. "I'm getting a rematch, and I got what I wanted, so it is what it is. We'll look back at the fight and see what we can improve on, but I'm looking toward the future and trying to get ready for that."
Anthony Pettis had been at the front of the line for a title shot after knocking out Joe Lauzon at UFC 144. But Edgar convinced White and UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta to give him an immediate rematch.
The former champ, who won the title at UFC 112 and defended it three times before the decision loss, said he didn't underestimate Henderson the first time around and doesn't plan on doing so this time.
"I always put my opponents on a pedestal, and I did that with Ben, and he proved himself," he said. "He showed up and fought a great fight, and that's what I expect out of him."
Although the UFC has yet to set a date for the title rematch, which serves as Henderson's first title defense, Edgar said he expects the fight to happen in August or September. Whatever arena they chose, he hopes it's stateside. Last time, he had a massive commute when the two met at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
"If I had a choice, I would definitely like to fight in North America," Edgar said. "Less things to worry about and get ready for. But I do what the UFC wants me to do. I'm easy like that."
Two UFC events are targeted for August and September, respectively, at the moment. UFC on FOX 4 is set for Aug. 4 in Los Angeles at a venue to be announced, and UFC 152 is headed to Toronto on Sept 22 at Air Canada Centre. So both options keep Edgar in North America, at least.
And while Edgar likes to think his current setback is part of making him a better mixed martial artist, he wants his strap back.
"When you wear that title for almost two years, you get used to it," he said.
