Frankie Edgar Returns: UFC Champ Books 43-Year-Old Fight
- In a surprising turn, former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar is coming out of retirement at the age of 43.
- Edgar has signed with Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and will make his debut against former top-five UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera on October 4th.
- The card, BKFC 82, is stacked with veteran appeal, headlined by a highly anticipated "King of Violence" clash between UFC stalwarts Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens.
Frankie Edgar Answers the Call: Former UFC Champion Returns to Fighting in Bare Knuckle Debut
In a surprising turn, former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar is coming out of retirement at the age of 43. After a decorated career that saw him capture UFC gold and consistently deliver thrilling performances, Edgar’s exit from the sport was undeniably tough. A string of three consecutive knockout losses – to Cory Sandhagen and Chito Vera via strikes, and a final, decisive knee knockout by chris Gutierrez at Madison Square Garden in 2022 – lead to his initial retirement at UFC 281.
But “The Answer” isn’t finished yet. Edgar has signed with Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and will make his debut against former top-five UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera on October 4th. The bout, pending approval from the New jersey State athletic Control Board, will take place in Newark, New Jersey – a homecoming for the local favorite. This marks Edgar’s first fight outside of the UFC as 2006.
The card, BKFC 82, is stacked with veteran appeal, headlined by a highly anticipated “King of Violence” clash between UFC stalwarts Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens. It’s a night that will directly compete with UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Peira 2 for fight fans’ attention.
The decision to return has sparked concern among fans, given the nature of Edgar’s recent setbacks and the inherent risks of bareknuckle fighting. Rivera,eight years Edgar’s junior,brings a 2-2-1 BKFC record and a strong MMA pedigree,having once held a 21-1 professional record and come close to challenging for the UFC bantamweight title in 2018. His BKFC losses have come via decision to Stephens and current featherweight champion Kai Stewart.
“I really hope Frankie is getting a massive bag because the KO’s he took at the end of his UFC run make me think this is a terrible idea,” one fan wrote on social media, echoing a sentiment shared by many who fear for Edgar’s well-being. Others simply expressed a desire to see the beloved veteran hang up his gloves for good.
Despite the concerns, Edgar’s return represents a compelling narrative. Weather driven by a desire to prove himself,a financial opportunity,or simply an enduring love for competition,Frankie Edgar is once again stepping into the arena,ready to answer the call – this time with his bare knuckles.