Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (17-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) knows fellow featherweight contender Cub Swanson (21-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will be on the other side of the cage one of these days. So as far as “The Answer” sees it, why not just do it now?

“I think I’m probably his toughest fight, his toughest out, his toughest way to the title,” Edgar told MMAjunkie. “But if you want to be the champ, you’ve got to go beat everybody. If he doesn’t fight me now, he’s going to have to fight be sooner or later. Might as well get it done now. We’ve got time.”

Edgar currently sits at No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, while Swanson resides one spot ahead at No. 3.

UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo holds the top slot, and he’ll meet No. 2-ranked Chad Mendes in October at UFC 179. Swanson, who fought most recently in June and currently owns a six-fight winning streak, has been promised a future title shot and has made it clear he’d prefer to wait for Aldo and Mendes to compete so that he can schedule a fight with the winner.

Props to Frankie's camp for announcing fights that aren't even real. Shady management at its finest! 👏 — Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 29, 2014

I can't wait to fight the winner of Aldo/Mendes! Either way the fight goes #UnfinishedBusiness — Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 29, 2014

But Edgar, who fell just short to Aldo in a February 2013 bid for the title and has since earned two wins in the division, doesn’t think Swanson should sit around. Instead, Edgar thinks Swanson should prove his worthiness as a contender.

“I think it’s the fight that makes the most sense,” Edgar said. “To sit around and wait for those guys to fight? I think this makes more sense.”

Recently, longtime Edgar rep Ali Abdelaziz took to Twitter to suggest the matchup could serve as a headliner for the UFC recently announced December trip to Arizona for UFC on FOX 13. Edgar believes it’s a perfect slot for the contest, as well.

“I think December would be perfect,” Edgar said. “It’s the last FOX card of the year. Let’s give the people a show.

“Ali suggested that fight, and it seems like it’s gotten a great response in social media. Let’s give the fans what they want: Dec. 12, big FOX. Can’t beat it.”

Of course, Edgar isn’t limited to that date. He just wants to see the fight happen. After all, it’s clear that Edgar and Swanson are the top contenders behind Mendes. What better way to figure out who should get the next shot than to simply meet in the octagon and find out?

“I’m ready to fight the best,” Edgar said. “I know if I want that title, I’ve got to fight everybody in front of me, and Cub’s that next guy, so let’s make it happen. I’m not one to really talk junk. I’m just saying what it is. Let’s do this.

“I think he said a little while ago he wouldn’t mind punching me in the face. You can’t punch me in the face unless we fight. Let’s fight. He’s been saying some things, and then when it comes down to fight, we don’t get to fight. I think I’m going to be the guy to fight for that title next, and I’d like to get it done with Cub first.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, including UFC on FOX 13, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.