At UFC Fight Night 128 Frankie Edgar will take on Cub Swanson in a rematch from 2014. Resident MMA NERD Rick Monsey looks back at their first fight, and predicts their upcoming bout.
Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson 2
Two of Brian Ortega’s most recent victims are facing off in an effort to stay relevant in the featherweight division.
Yes, calling both of these incredible fighters “victims” might be a bit harsh. Especially considering that Frankie Edgar is a possible hall of famer, and Cub Swanson is an elite competitor himself.
With a victory the winner can look ahead to the future and put their recent loss in the rearview mirror. Likewise, another loss could shut down any title aspirations the competitor has for the featherweight division.
This is not the first time these two have faced off. In fact, this is a rematch of a fight they had back in 2014.
I don’t really remember their first encounter very well. So let’s take a look back and see if we can get any insight from what transpired from before.
UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson November 22, 2014
Round one starts with Swanson having early success with his unconventional striking style. Half way through the first round Swanson’s confidence leads into Edgar getting a number of takedowns. The round ends and we’re starting to see Edgar play to his strengths.
In the second round the same scenario takes place: Swanson is connecting with some damaging strikes and taunts, but then gets taken down by Edgar. The only difference is that in the second round Edgar had more time on top and was able to open Swanson up.
The third round starts with Edgar quickly taking Swanson down. That’s where the action stays until the horn blows.
Now it’s time for round four. How do you think it starts? If you guessed with Edgar taking Swanson down you would be right. It’s amazing how busy Edgar stays while in top position. Swanson finally is able to get to his feet with seconds left on the cloak.
Swanson’s face looks messed up as the fifth round starts, and surprise, surprise, Swanson gets taken down. Two submission attempts by Edgar are thwarted. Edgar ground and pounds Swanson into oblivion. Ten seconds left in the round. Edgar gets Swanson in a cranking choke… Swanson taps with only seconds left!
Man… I forgot how dominant Edgar was in their first fight!
I think the sequel will be more of the same. Now with only three rounds in this fight the finish might not be in the cards but a win surely will be for Edgar.
Yes, like mentioned before Frankie Edgar is coming back from a knockout lose at the hands of Brian Ortega. But there’s a reason that was the first time Edgar’s ever been unconscious in the Octagon. He’s as tough as they come. I see Edgar’s last fight being a sign that he just got caught as opposed to a deteriorating chin. But we’ll see.
To be continued…
-Rick Monsey
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