Joselyne Edwards is wasting no time calling for the biggest opportunities available after her latest victory at UFC Fight Night 274.
"La Pantera" improved her professional record to 18-6 and 9-4 in the UFC with a win over Norma Dumont in the co-main event at the META Apex in Las Vegas, extending her current streak to five straight victories in the women’s bantamweight division.
Edwards made it clear she is targeting the very top of the division, including former champions Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña, or an interim title fight. "I'm not going to hold on to my position and be saying no to fights like a brat and sit out for years for my opportunity, no," Edwards said. "I like to fight. I want to fight whoever is ahead of me and whoever gives me an opportunity to fight for the title. When the UFC tells me I need to fight, I will fight, but have it be against the champion or No. 1 or No. 2. I think I deserve to get a big fight."
Edwards expressed a particular interest in Peña. "Well, it's better to fight No. 1 than No. 2," she said. "With Pennington, it would be a good fight, and I think it's a great matchup for me. However, I do like more No. 1, Julianna. It would be a great fight. Both would be great fights. I'm ready. I have no injuries, and I'm ready to go. Let's wait and see what the UFC decides."
Riding a streak that includes two knockout and two submission stoppages, Edwards believes she is prepared for championship-distance bouts. "This last fight, I felt that in the third round I was just warming up," she said. "I think I'm ready to fight five rounds. I'm a fighter who takes a bit to get into the fight, and I think this last third round I was just getting started. I'm ready for an interim title or a main event. I'm ready."
With the UFC planning to wait for champion Kayla Harrison’s recovery from neck surgery before booking a fight against Amanda Nunes, Edwards is eager to step into any interim spotlight. "With my eyes closed, I would sign that contract right now," she said. "Look, here there is no fear. Give me whoever is in front of me – No. 1, No. 2, the champion, Amanda (Nunes) – they all sound good to me. I don't care who they are. I just want to fight for the belt or the interim title. Right now I want big opportunities, and I feel I've shown I'm deserving. I've given it my all. I've finished fights. I know this one went to decision, but before this they were good fights. I think if there's going to be an interim title in place, I'm deserving to participate in it."
