Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier and other UFC 281 fighters pay heartwarming tribute to Frankie Edgar
After a 15-year UFC career, Frankie Edgar will compete for the final time when he takes on Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281.
The UFC released a video on their social media accounts of Edgar, along with fellow fighters competing on the same card, reflecting on his career. UFC fighters shared their thoughts and expressed their gratitude to one of the most resilient fighters to compete inside the octagon. Michael Chandler stated:
“The way that he lived behind the scenes, how he ate, woke up early, how he did his road work. Frankie [Edgar] is a living legend. Frankie is a first-ballot no-brainer Hall of Famer and I’m proud to call him a friend, and I’m proud to share this card with him if this is his farewell fight.”
Dustin Poirier added:
“Hall of Famer, you know. A guy fighting lions who’s not a big guy.”
UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski, who is taking part in fight week media and supporting his City Kickboxing teammates, had a lot of praise for the New Jersey native:
“Just showing you what can be done with the right mindset and the right skill and when Frankie was in his prime, he was just taking out everybody. So he was an absolute legend.”
Frankie Edgar is a former UFC lightweight champion. He earned the title by defeating B.J. Penn, who was undoubtedly the top lightweight in the world at the time. 'The Answer' was praised for competing at 155lbs, where he undersized for the most part.
Molly McCann stated:
“Just being an absolute gangster and getting in there, fighting high weights and not cutting weight. Then dropping down weight and still running through divisions.”
City Kickboxing fighter Dan Hooker stated:
“I bumped into Frankie Edgar in the hallway, and I was a bit starstruck. I just had to go up to him and say, ‘Big fan, big fan.'”
Frankie Edgar's trilogy against Gray Maynard was one of the most entertaining in UFC history. In particular, their rematch and third fight, which were lightweight title bouts, really showcased his resilience. Michael Chandler discussed the now-legendary bouts:
“When Frankie and Gray fought for the title, the determination that Frankie showed when he was hurt so badly. Equilibrium was off and that happens in fights. You might be thinking clearly but your legs aren’t working, your arms aren’t working - you don’t know which way is up, which way is down – and Frankie was able to keep his composure, weather that storm, and go out there and win.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the legend @FrankieEdgar before his final fight at #UFC281 🎞️ https://t.co/QgRkQJMmDC
Will Frankie Edgar retire with a win?
Retiring legend Frankie Edgar has a message for the fans. 🥺
#UFC281 | More: bit.ly/3DRhJCR https://t.co/ePJXR1bT3u
Frankie Edgar is coming into his final fight on a two-fight skid, with both losses coming via knockout.
‘The Answer’ mentioned that he is approaching his final fight the exact same way he approached every other fight in his career. It will be interesting to see whether he’ll be more aggressive knowing it’s his final fight or if he’ll search for opportunities to shoot for takedowns.
Although it’s Edgar’s retirement fight, there’s still a lot at stake. He will want to retire with a win, while Gutierrez will be looking to make a name for himself at his expense.