Frankie Edgar's Retirement: A Look Back at the UFC Legend's Final Fight
Frankie Edgar's Retirement: A Look Back at the UFC Le...
By Edcel Panganiban August 26, 2024 11:47
Last November, the mixed martial arts universe said goodbye to one of its most popular and enduring figures when Frankie "The Answer" Edgar took his final walk to the Octagon at UFC 281. The former UFC lightweight champion's decision to retire followed a decorated 15-year career, which saw him compete at three weight classes as one of the most rugged and remarkably durable fighters in history.
UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden
Edgar's retirement fight was planned for UFC 281, in Madison Square Garden in New York City. For Edgar, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, the iconic venue had extra meaning. Throughout his career, Edgar had developed plenty of ties to The Garden, competing in the building before and attending many wrestling shows there.
Having his final bout at Madison Square Garden allowed Edgar to book things by fighting near home, where more friends and family were able to attend. It also gave a fitting platform to one of the most revered old-timers in MMA.
The Opponent: Chris Gutierrez
In his retirement fight, the UFC put Edgar against surging bantamweight prospect Chris Gutierrez. The 31-year-old Gutierrez was the next generation of fighters looking to advance in the division. Gutierrez entered the fight with a 6-1-1 record in the UFC and an overall seven-fight unbeaten run, providing Edgar, already navigating his MMA twilight at age 40, something to overcome.
The matchup signified the passing of the torch in a young man's game like no other on paper, virtually pitting an age-worn Edgar against, at least on sight and record alone, what was appearing to be a never-ending wave of future champions across two weight classes. Credit has to be given to Edgar for stepping up and taking on a dangerous opponent in his last fight instead of choosing someone more suited for the final act.
The Fight: A Not So Happy Ending
Ever the fan favorite, it was a pity that Edgar did not come out of the fight with what anyone had hoped for. Gutierrez did just that: he scored a TKO in the first round, and Edgar's career ended abruptly. While the result was not what those hoping to see Edgar ride off into the sunset had hoped, it in no way tarnished anything he had accomplished over his career.
It was a fast finish, which is typical of this sport's sudden capriciousness. Then, there were men getting suppertime beatings against younger fighters with strong jaws. Edgar went out with the respect and praise of fans and fighters.
An Appreciation of a Legend
Edgar had a stellar career as the UFC lightweight champion. His title-winning upset over the great BJ Penn is still one of the most iconic victories in UFC matchups. Edgar then went on to successfully defend the belt twice against Penn and had two legendary fights with Gray Maynard, which solidified his place as one of the greatest lightweights in history.
Multi-Division Success
Edgar then lost the lightweight belt and boldly moved down to 145, where he continued among the top competition. That experience mirrored his performance in two failed bids for the featherweight title against Jose Aldo, but it was enough to prove he could swim just below those top rungs of another weight class.
Late in his career, Edgar shifted to bantamweight, by now honing a skill of constantly reinventing himself and staying relevant across three divisions. It was this adaptability and his readiness to face elite competition at various weight classes, a rarity among even high-level fighters in the sport, that separated Edgar from so many of his peers.
Notable Battles and Rivalries
Edgar had plenty of notable battles during his time as a competitor, and they will no doubt live on in the minds of MMA fans. It was one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history, though still with a clear endpoint. The series of their fights, including a draw at UFC 125 and Edgar's come-from-behind win at UFC 136 to defend the belt, also represent well the heart and determination that came to define his time in MMA.
He competed in several thrilling bouts with Benson Henderson, Chad Mendes, and Yair Rodriguez. Edgar might have lost, but his grit and can-do attitude made him a fan favorite.
Edgar's Impact on the Sport
Undersized Overachiever
Despite standing only 5-foot-6, he was one of the smaller men in his bouts when he reigned as free weight titleholder. His victories against bigger opponents set an example for fighters everywhere and showed that even at an elite level, strength was nothing in comparison to skill and heart.
Wrestling Style and Adapted Nature
Edgar also starred as a collegiate wrestler at Clarion University. But his excellence in learning and getting better at everything else made him most different. As he transitioned between weight classes, Edgar honed his boxing skills, improved his footwork, and polished his submission game to round out the skill set that anchored his wrestling base.
Durability and Heart
More than anything, Edgar will be remembered for his great durability and heart. Over and over, he absorbed a lot of damage; but to come back from the brink time after time by refusing to quit.
UFC Lightweight Champion
- 7 Successful Title Fights (defenses + challenges)
- Three different weight-class compete
- 6x Fight of the Night, 3x Performance of the Night
UFC Hall of Famer
His days as a fighter may be over, but Edgar's impact on the sport is far from finished. Plenty of others figure he'll stay on the MMA landscape in some form, as a coach or, even more likely, still providing commentary and becoming an ambassador.
A Fighter's Fighter
Frankie Edgar's retirement closed out an era in mixed martial arts. Between his surprise run to the lightweight championship and gutsy outings in three different weight classes, Edgar truly was a martial artist.
While his swan song ended in a loss, it does not stain the legacy of one of the greatest warriors and crowd favorites to ever compete in the UFC. Edgar will be remembered as the fighter's champion that other fighters admired for his skills and who was always ready to give everything he had every time.
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