Frankie Edgar training for a fight in December, vows to be ready to step in for Jose Aldo or Conor McGregor at UFC 194

After Frankie Edgar was passed over in favor of Chad Mendes to be Jose Aldo's late replacement against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 for the interim Featherweight title, "The Answer" is once again throwing his name in the ring.

Speaking to Severe MMA's Andrew McGahon (via MMA Fighting), Edgar stated that he will be in shape and ready to fill in for either man should they be forced out of their fight, which is set for UFC 194 on Dec. 12, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada (full details here), with an injury.

In fact, he already plans to be in fight shape, requesting to be booked for a December fight because he has no intentions to sit around to see how the championship chase unfolds.

"I'm hoping to fight around that time, anyway. Then I don't have to worry about it. I'll be in camp anyway if something comes up. I really do think [Aldo and McGregor] are going to fight this time around, but you never know. I was ready to jump in on 15 days notice. No matter what I'll be ready to go again."

He continues:

"I think I should be the guy, no matter what. I do want to fight again. I don't want to wait until [Aldo and McGregor] fight and then how many months after that. I've got to take care of business but I believe I am the No. 1 contender.I feel like I'm competitive [at 145 pounds] and I feel like I'm right there. I'm one fight away. I think I could probably not fight and still get the title shot. I think I've earned that. Why would I knock on the door and not wait for someone to answer and leave? I don't think I'll ever rule out 135 in the future. Who knows? Right now, 145 is my goal."

As it stands, Edgar is sitting at No. 2 in the 145-pound rankings (see them), while Mendes is right behind him at No. 3.

And since the two were the top choices as potential replacements last time, it seems like the logical step to take is book both men against one another at UFC 194. It's a fight most of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community -- as well as Edgar and Mendes -- would be eager to watch.

It's a pretty good "Plan B" for UFC to have in its back pocket, too, after what happened the first time.