By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Frankie Edgar knocked out Chad Mendes at the UFC 22 Finale at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan. The Toms River, New Jersey native only needed one round for the win.
Edgar improves to 20-4-1 in his career. Mendes drops to 17-4, and it’s the first loss for Mendes that’s not named Jose Aldo or Conor McGregor.
“This one was a big one for me,” Edgar said. “I love what I do.”
Mendes is on a two-fight losing streak, as he lost to McGregor on short notice in July by TKO punches. Edgar, on the other hand, hasn’t lost since Aldo defeated him in February 2013 at UFC 156.
Edgar’s stunning knockout in this featherweight bout made a huge statement for him for tonight’s Aldo vs. McGregor fight. He should get the winner, as long as UFC president Dana White makes it.
“Speed over punches,” he added. “I was lucky to put him away. They were talking about him having the power, but I have the power, too.”
Early on in the first round, Edgar hit Mendes with a jab, before both fighters hit each other with leg kicks. Mendes would follow up with a right look before getting warned by referee “Big” John McCarthy.
After that, Edgar follows with a three-punch combo on Mendes. The California native hits Edgar with a leg kick that made Edgar go to the middle of the ring.
Shortly thereafter, the knockout found itself, as Edgar hit Mendes with a beautiful left hook to Mendes’ chin for the win.
