Melendez: Edgar not McGregor deserves #1 contender spot
Gil Melendez: “If you have the Conor McGregor fight against Jose Aldo … Heck yeah I’m going to buy it. But is Frankie Edgar the most deserving guy? I believe so.”
Most professional sports are governed by a non-profit corporation, that determines who gets to vie for the world championship. Combat sports are an exception. Since their inception, the desires of the fans, as expressed by putting their ass in a seat, often play a significant role in matchmaking. The top of the food chain in mixed martial arts is no exception.
Conor McGregor will get a title shot if he beats Dennis Siver on Sunday, but a huge number of fans and some fighters as well have argued that McGregor should not be first in line. Recently top lightweight competitor Gil Melendez told FOX Sports that Frankie Edgar deserves the next shot at featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
“He’s absolutely not the No. 1 contender in my opinion,” said Melendez as transcribed by Damon Martin. “The most deserving guy will be the guy sitting right next to me, Frankie Edgar. He just demolished B.J. Penn and I was looking forward to his fight with Cub Swanson, hoping to see a very competitive fight and he smashed him as well. Some people thought he beat Jose Aldo, it was a toss-up. I gave it to Aldo, but it’s a toss up.
“In my opinion, Frankie Edgar is the most deserving.”
“We know the business and I’m not going to be a cry baby because I know how it works. McGregor’s not completely undeserving of a title shot. If he wins this fight and does it in impressive fashion, there is a reason to give him the title shot. Is McGregor the most deserving? I don’t think so.”
“If you have the Conor McGregor fight against Jose Aldo, am I going to buy it? Heck yeah I’m going to buy it. Heck yeah, I want to see it. Is it an interesting matchup? Yeah, I do think it’s an interesting matchup. I want to see it.”
“But is Frankie Edgar the most deserving guy? I believe so.”