Frankie Edgar is looking to work his way back to a title shot and believes a match-up against Cub Swanson would do exactly that.
The former UFC lightweight champion, who is coming off a third round stoppage victory over B.J. Penn last Sunday at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, told UFC Tonight that the fight makes sense considering the champion is out on the sidelines and the No. 1 contender is tied up.
While Edgar personally requested the match-up, Swanson did not appear to be as interested in the contest as "The Answer". Cub revealed that he had been promised a title shot in his next fight he much preferred sticking to the route that would secure that opportunity.
"I was told my fight would be for a belt. I don't think he has one of those," Swanson told FOX Sports. "But I wouldn't mind punching him."
Aldo's absence from the division leaves several options for Swanson. If the champion remains on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, Swanson could be placed in an interim title fight against Chad Mendes. He could also simply await his title shot and take the opportunity in the first quarter of 2015.
While Edgar appears intent on a potential fight against Swanson, he hinted at an entirely different opponent in his interview with Bloodyelbow's Steph Daniels, which will be posted on Friday.