Morning Report: Frankie Edgar interested in ‘legacy fight’ with Dominick Cruz

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting At UFC Vegas 7, Frankie Edgar did it again, coming through as an underdog against Pedro Munhoz to take a unanimous decision win in his bantamweight debut. The victory skyrocketed Edgar into the 135-pound rankings at No. 5 and set him up for one final title run.
But with Edgar now a growing concern at 135, who should he face next to work his way to a title shot? All of the men ranked above him are currently booked against other contenders (or, in the case of Cody Garbrandt, for a flyweight title shot). But that’s okay with Edgar, who has an idea about who to face while some other opportunity opens up: former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.
“Another guy that’s also a little older and a legend himself is Dominick Cruz,” Edgar told Bruce Buffer on Buffer’s It’s Time podcast. “A lot of people are still talking about that, so I’m definitely interested. The title is obviously my main goal, where my sight’s on, but it doesn’t have to be right away. I’m willing to fight some of those legacy fights as well.”
In 2011, both Edgar and Cruz were UFC champions, Edgar at lightweight and Cruz at bantamweight. Then, in 2013, Edgar dropped down to featherweight where he challenged for a title on three separate occasions. Since his move town to 145, fans have often discussed a potential superfight between Edgar and Cruz, and now that they are in the same divisions, a collision seems destined to happen. And should it come to pass, Edgar knows Cruz will present a difficult test for him.
“I don’t know, that’d be tough,” Edgar said. “If you chase him, he’s really good at that, and you don’t want him chasing you either. So I think you got to mix it up and try a little cat and mouse game with him.”
Cruz has not fought since his failed title bid against Henry Cejudo at UFC 249 earlier this summer, and that could be perfect timing for Edgar, who is looking to get one more fight in before the end of the year.
“I think before the year is out,” Edgar said about when he’d like to return. “Before Christmas would be ideal. I just spoke with my manager about wanting to get in there in December and he’s got some ideas. I’m sure he’s gonna run it by the UFC soon.”

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[h=1]MUST-READ STORIES[/h]Results. Aleksandar Rakic and Neil Magny picked up big wins at UFC Vegas 8.
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Shade. Dominick Reyes live tweets ‘lame’ UFC Vegas 8 main event.
Missed point. Sean O’Malley answers ‘take your loss like a man’ critics – ‘mentally, I’m undefeated’.

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[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h]UFC Vegas 8 post show.


Vegas 8 post-fight press conference.


Free fight.


LFA 89 highlights.


MixedMollyWhoppery on Khabib and his father’s passing.


Pros predict this weekend.


Francis Ngannou’s charity fight.

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[h=1]LISTEN UP[/h]On to the Next One. Playing matchmaker for the UFC following UFC Vegas 8.
Severe MMA. Discussing the end of the Robbie Lawler era, UFC matchmaking, and the upcoming fight card.

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[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h]Conor hanging with royalty.
Making peace.
Bulking up.
Not happy.
Return of the king?
Throwing shade?
Now this is definitely throwing shade.
Dustin in fight camp.
That’s a rough year.
I mean, fair to be upset about.

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[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h]Miguel Baeza (9-0) vs. Mickey Gall (6-3); UFC Fight Night, Sep. 19.
Tom Breese (11-2) vs. Roman Kopylov (8-1); UFC Fight Night, Oct. 3.
Claudio Silva (14-1) vs. Muslim Salkhov (17-2); UFC Fight Night, Oct. 17.

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[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h]Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]

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