Fresh off of an arguable split decision loss to Benson Henderson for the lightweight championship, Frankie Edgar has faced lot of questions over these last few days. He’s certainly got a very important step in his career in front of him, and some big things to consider. For now, he’ll have to sit back and watch the next UFC lightweight title fight unfold before he can make a definitive choice. He’s had some close interactions with both men that will be involved with that fight and even though he won’t be there in the cage, he’ll definitely be an influence on both mens’ performances.
In a recent interview with Sherdog Radio, Frankie was asked about his relationship with lightweight’s number one contender, Nate Diaz, and what that means for Diaz’ fight with Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 5. Here’s his input, as transcribed by Five Ounces of Pain:
If Nate would need my help or would ask for my help, I would love to help him out. We got some work in last time that was really good. If I could help him out, of course I would.
In such a big fight, Frankie’s input would be invaluable to Diaz. Frankie has already fought Henderson twice, and arguments have been made by a few people that he’s won both fights. Though Frankie and Nate have very different styles, Frankie is definitely familiar with many of the ins and outs of Benson’s game, and his input could make a huge difference in Nate’s approach to this fight.
While discussing the fight, Frankie even offered a bit of his own analysis, though no definitive pick:
I just think that Nate comes forward so much, I don’t know how Ben will deal with that…Nate’s length. He’s got great, great jiu-jitsu. I feel the wrestling edge will probably go to Ben, but if you look at Nate’s last performances, he’s gotten so good everywhere. He fought Jim Miller, and Jim Miller couldn’t take him down. Jim Miller’s a pretty high-level wrestler too. I think Nate’s definitely a great match-up for Ben.
And Edgar’s right. Nate presents a lot that Ben has yet to see, but Ben will probably be Nate’s toughest test at lightweight to date. The matchup is very intriguing, and Frankie’s role in it just makes it even more interesting. His knowledge and experience could be a huge difference maker should Nate employ his help.
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