Frankie Edgar Hopes a Win Over Charles Oliveira at UFC 162 Will Move Him Closer to Another Title Fight

Former UFC champion Frankie Edgar will do something he hasn’t done in years when he faces Charles Oliveira in a featherweight match-up at UFC 162 on July 6 in Las Vegas.  He’ll compete in a non-title fight for the first time since 2009, and hopes a win over Oliveira will move him closer to another championship bout.

“One step closer toward a title shot,” said Edgar when asked what a win over Oliveira would mean.

Oliveira (16-3, 1 No Contest) is 2-1 as a featherweight and nine of his 16 wins have come by submission.

“I think he’s a dangerous fighter, long and rangy with slick submissions,” Edgar said about his opponent in a chat on UFC.com.  “I guess his slick submission game might be the biggest threat.”

Edgar made his featherweight debut at UFC 156 on Feb. 2, losing to champion Jose Aldo by decision.  His speed and footwork was an advantage for him in the lightweight division, and he doesn’t believe anyone at 145 pounds is going to have a speed advantage over him.

“I don’t know if I have an advantage, they’re all lighter fighters, but I don’t think I’m outclassed in speed by anyone though,” he said.

To Edgar, everyone he faces is dangerous, including Oliveira.

“I’m nervous for everybody. Everybody possesses something to be weary of,” said the former champion.

UFC 162 takes place on July 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and his headlined by the middleweight title bout between champion Anderson Silva and top contender Chris Weidman.

Be sure to Like MMAWeekly.com on Facebook and Follow @MMAWeeklycom on Twitter.