UFC
UFC 150: Happy with UFC 144 performance, Frankie Edgar prepared for Ben Henderson rematch
Aug 9, 2012 - 5:35:37 PM UFC 150: Happy with UFC 144 performance, Frankie Edgar prepared for Ben Henderson rematch

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Frankie Edgar enters Saturday night's UFC 150 event believing he should have won the decision against Ben Henderson at UFC 144 in February. He felt he had done enough to earn the nod from the judges, but instead he lost his title, and was left not knowing whether or not he'd get a rematch or not.

"I was just nervous that I wasn't going to get it," Edgar said in an interview with MMAJunkie.com. "I don't want to call it frustrating. [The UFC has] a business to run, and ultimately it's their decision. But I wanted to make sure it was known that I really wanted this rematch."

After granting rematches to both B.J. Penn and Gray Maynard, Edgar had built up enough good will with the UFC to get a chance at redemption. Now, his goal is to make it clear he belongs on top as the Lightweight Champion of the world.

"I think there's massive changes [that need to be made] in every fight, whether you win it or lose it," Edgar said. "But I was happy with my performance [in February]. Ben's a tough kid, and I went in there and fought hard, he fought hard, and things just didn't go my way that night."

"Sometimes you want to make sure your punches land a little more precisely, I guess," Edgar continued. "Ben's never had a black eye or a broken nose in any fight, so I don't know if it's me that can do that. I'm hoping I can, but some people can take damage a little better than others. Me, I get beat up a little bit in my fights whether I win or lose."

"[But] you don't have to damage a guy to knock him out or to wobble him."

Penick's Analysis: Edgar's going to have to do what he did in his last two immediate rematches to regain his title on Saturday. The problem he's facing is that Henderson himself has also looked great when he's had a rematch, finishing Donald Cerrone in quick fashion after a five round battle with him in their first fight. Someone is likely getting finished on Saturday night, and Edgar believes he'll be the one that accomplishes that.

[Frankie Edgar art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]