Frankie Edgar started his Mixed Martial Arts career in 2005 against Eric Uresk. Since his debut, Edgar amassed a record of 23-10-1. During his 18-year career, Edgar won the UFC lightweight title and defended the belt three times. He competed in 3 separate weight classes in the UFC and had a Hall of Fame-worthy career. But it came to an end against Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281.
The 41-year-old was significantly diminished in recent years. Since 2019, Frankie had 5 fights and won only one of them. Out of the 4 losses, 3 came via KO/TKO. Edgar’s last two losses were significantly vicious. Cory Sandhagen beat him with a flying knee within 28 seconds and Marlon Vera put his lights out at UFC 268. Hence, the bad losses forced him to bring an end to his illustrious career.
A legend of the sport makes has his final farewell 🥺@FrankieEdgar hits the Octagon one final time NEXT against @CGutierrezMMA!#UFC281 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/nzONUJu44K pic.twitter.com/0MsMlopIMM
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
Edgar announced that he would hang up his gloves after a final fight in Madison Square Garden. But Chirs Gutierrez was one of the most exciting fighters in the bantamweight division. He had a UFC record of 6-1-1 heading into the fight and Chris was on a 3-fight win streak. So how did Edgar’s retirement bout go? Let’s find out!
Chris Gutierrez knocks out Frankie Edgar at UFC 281
As the recent form would suggest, Frankie Edgar had a mountain to climb against Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281. Chris had 8 KO wins in his career. So Edgar had to be careful going up against such a dangerous fighter. Gutierrez did not rush in despite Edgar’s recent record. He stayed on the outside and landed some nasty leg kicks. One of the kicks even disturbed Frankie’s balance.
He had an intelligent game plan and let Edgar walk him down. Chris was waiting for his chance to land something big and the chance presented itself at the 2:01 minute mark of the first round. As Frankie was trying to land a big strike, Gutierrez dodged the punch and knocked out Edgar with a massive knee. Although it is a shame that Edgar’s elite career ends on such a sad note, it was a great career regardless.
Chris Gutierrez stops Frankie Edgar 😳
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
A perfect knee up the middle ends this one early #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/M5A0A1VKYq
Joe Rogan stated after the fight that he was sorry for Edgar’s family who had to sit through such a bad Knockout. He said, “For me it’s like his kids watching it, really hard one.”
Rogan interviewed Frankie after the fight. However, he asked Edgar whether he was okay to do the post-fight interview or not. However, Edgar gave his nod and stated his thoughts on the contest.
Not the way he wanted to end it, but tonight @FrankieEdgar closes the book on a legendary career inside the Octagon 🙌 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/XDlkQ68mvW
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
“Yeah, I love this sport man, didn’t wanna go out like. That this sport is a b**ch you know. And I got my family here, that’s all that matters.”
The MMA community also showed their support for the veteran fighter as reactions poured in for Frankie on Twitter.
Here are some reactions on the matter
Your a legend @FrankieEdgar u did it all in this sport forever a fan 🙏🙏
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) November 13, 2022
Your a fucken champ and someone I still look up to @FrankieEdgar you’re a legend my man!!!! Much love 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👏👏. @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) November 13, 2022
Frankie Edgar = legend! Hall of fame entry coming soon.
— michael (@bisping) November 13, 2022
Sending love to a GOAT! @FrankieEdgar 🙌🏻 #UFC281
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) November 13, 2022
A forever champ @FrankieEdgar, obrigado#UFC281
— Charles ‘DoBronxs’ Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) November 13, 2022
Legend of this sport @FrankieEdgar #UFC281
— Joshua Culibao (@culibaomma) November 13, 2022
Frankie is an absolute legend 💯
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) November 13, 2022
Happy for Chris 🤘🏽
What did you think of the result? Let us know in the comments down below.