This Saturday will mark the biggest fight in Frankie Edgar’s career. He will be facing current Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn, for the title at UFC 112. Heading into the bout, most consider Edgar a huge underdog. For Edgar, that doesn’t come as a surprise.

“It’s motivating to know that nobody is really picking you and nobody is really thinking that you have a shot. It can also hurt you in the same aspect, so I don’t really dwell on it too much. I mean it’s up to me. I’m the one that is fighting, no one else.”

“I feel like a lot of times in my career I’ve had that role, obviously not at this amplitude or anything because it is B.J. My first fight in the UFC I fought Tyson Griffin. No one expected me to win. When I fought Sean Sherk a year ago, no one expected me to win that one either. I’ve definitely been in this role before, and it’s really nothing new.”

While Penn is a formidable opponent, Edgar remains focused on his game plan.

“Fighting B.J., he’s well-rounded. You just can’t go in there saying I’m going to just take this guy down. I mean, no one really takes him down, so I’m going to have to go in there and be able to do it all. I’m going to have to mix it up and keep him guessing.”

“I’m not a huge tape guy. I watch it, make my assessments, and move on. Every fight is different. B.J., he evolves between fights. I think I evolve between fights, so you really just have to come in there in the best shape and your technique sharp and everything going good and kind of figure it out (come) fight time.”

Edgar realizes the importance of this title shot. With the Lightweight division full of potential contenders, it may be awhile before he gets another chance. As such, Edgar plans to seize the opportunity.

“I want to fight the best B.J. because that’s why I do this sport, to challenge myself, and I’ve got the biggest challenge ahead of me. I’m really excited just from the aspect that I get to fight someone of B.J.’s stature.”

“Just because I’m respectful doesn’t mean I’m not going in there to win. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m going in there to walk away with this belt. I’m not going in there to just have a good fight with B.J. Penn because I’ll be kicking myself in the ass for the rest of my life if I don’t go in there and really go to win this fight.

“I want to be able to seize this opportunity right now. I don’t want to wait for another opportunity because, you know what, 155 is such a deep division. It’s so close. Who knows, if I fail here I might not get the opportunity again. I’ve got to make the best of it.”

(source: MMA Weekly)