Edgar KOs Mendes, calls for next UFC featherweight title shot
Chad Mendes had the renowned punching power heading into the main event of Friday's "Ultimate Fighter 22" finale, but it was Frankie Edgar whose punches were able to stop the title contender's bout.
The end came in the first round, on the end of a two-punch combo from Edgar that floored and flash-KO'd Mendes.
Edgar landed an overhand right and followed immediately with a left hook on the nose that felled Mendes. Referee John McCarthy wisely called a stop to the fight at 2:28 of the first round, preventing Mendes from sustaining more damage.
"This dude has a little pop, too, son," an elated Edgar said afterward. "I just sped [my punches] up and was lucky enough to catch him."
Edgar's win was his fifth straight and the third time in that span that he's finished his opponent. He called out UFC president Dana White, who he’s been frustrated with for some time after being repeatedly overlooked for another featherweight title bout, for leaving ringside before the fight started.
"I don't know why Dana isn't here," he said. "Come on, you've got to give it to me."
White spoke highly of Edgar in the post-fight press conference, however. "Nobody can deny Frankie anymore," White said. "He looked amazing tonight, and he'll get whatever he wants."
The win improved Edgar's mark to 19-4-1. Mendes' loss is his second TKO loss in a row and drops his record to 17-4.
Edgar said he'd be ready to fight in Saturday's UFC 194 featherweight title main event should either Jose Aldo or Conor McGregor suddenly pull out.
"This was a big one for me," Edgar said. "I love what I do, and I get to do what I love every day."
