The best and worst from UFC Fight Night 128

#2 Best: Edgar’s gamble pays off

Frankie Edgar got back on track last night by beating Cub Swanson

The last time we saw a fighter make a quick turnaround from what was essentially a violent loss in his previous fight, Michael Bisping was knocked flat within minutes by opponent Kelvin Gastelum. That’s why so many observers were concerned for Frankie Edgar when it was announced that he’d be fighting Cub Swanson on last night’s card just seven weeks after he was knocked silly by Brian Ortega. It sounded like a bad idea.

Thankfully for Edgar, it turned out to be a gamble that paid off. Sure, it wasn’t a vintage Edgar showing – he beat Swanson up in more impressive fashion in their first fight in November 2014 – but there was never any point when it looked like ‘The Answer’ was in danger and for the most part it was a pretty routine victory for him.

It was an important one, too. With the announcement of a Max Holloway/Ortega title fight to take place at UFC 226 in July, it means that if Holloway defends the title, Edgar is probably back in line for a title shot again – something that looked highly unlikely after the Ortega loss.

By stepping back in there so soon and defeating a top contender like Swanson, Edgar’s essentially been able to jump right back to the front of the queue, where he might’ve slipped back further in people’s minds had he taken a more extended leave of absence.

Taking last night’s fight sounded crazy, but for Frankie Edgar, it’s turned out to be the best thing he could’ve done.