Joselyne Edwards calls for main event vs. one of two ex-UFC champs

Joselyne Edwards wants a big opportunity next, and she believes her 5-0 run gives her a good argument to call for something accordingly.

Edwards (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), a top contender in the UFC women's bantamweight division, would like to mix things up with a former champion in the division and do so headlining a UFC card – should she not get a shot at an interim title, of course. Edwards would ideally like to fight for a belt, but the UFC has made it clear it intends to wait on champion Kayla Harrison's recovery from neck surgery to book her against WMMA GOAT Amanda Nunes.

With that in mind, "La Pantera" would like to get her hands on a former champion with a higher ranking than her, leaving Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña as the two choices.

"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 told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "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."

Either Peña or Penington would work for Edwards. However, Peña does find herself ranked No. 1, which makes that bout more appealing for the Panamanian fighter.

"Well, it's better to fight No. 1 than No. 2," Edwards 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."

Edwards is currently in her best career form. This past Saturday, she defeated top contender Norma Dumont (13-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 274 at the META Apex in Las Vegas. Edwards is now on a five-fight winning streak with two knockout and two submission stoppages.

For her next fight, Edwards would not only like for it to be against a big name but also have it be 25 minutes to prepare her for her long-desired title opportunity.

"This last fight, I felt that in the third round I was just warming up," Edwards 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."

Should the UFC change its mind waiting on Harrison, Edwards wants to make it clear to the UFC that she's game for an interim title fight.

"With my eyes closed, I would sign that contract right now," Edwards 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."