In a surprising turn of events at the UFC 297 broadcast, Frankie Edgar, the resilient icon of the octagon, has been announced as the first inductee into the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame. The promotion, recognizing Edgar’s epic career and unmatched perseverance, unveiled this exciting news at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto during a week of appearances.
At 42, Edgar’s legacy is etched in UFC history, highlighted by his remarkable run as the UFC lightweight champion from 2010 to 2012. Notable for overcoming odds and staging memorable comebacks, Edgar’s journey to the Hall of Fame has been nothing short of extraordinary.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed his admiration, stating, “Frankie Edgar is one of the greatest athletes in UFC history. He consistently fought the best athletes in the world across multiple weight classes for more than 15 years. He is a legend, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame.”
Last night @FrankieEdgar became the first #UFCHOF inductee of 2024! 🎉
A true legend of the sport 👏 pic.twitter.com/1gSxF3RIGF
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
Edgar’s triumphs include two victories over the legendary BJ Penn, a feat that secured him the lightweight title. His battles against the much larger Gray Maynard showcased his indomitable spirit, adding to the lore of his championship reign. What sets Edgar apart is not just his skill but the fact that, standing at 5-foot-6, he was always the smaller man in the cage.
The narrative of Edgar’s size disadvantage evolved as he ventured into different weight classes. His successful stint at featherweight (145 pounds) and a daring move to bantamweight towards the end of his career emphasized his versatility and determination.
A fan favorite, Edgar bid farewell to the octagon after a 2022 loss to Chris Gutierrez at Madison Square Garden. Throughout his UFC career, which commenced in 2007, he claimed victories over esteemed fighters, including former champions like BJ Penn, Charles Oliveira, Sean Sherk, Urijah Faber, and Yair Rodriguez, who held an interim title.
Edgar’s impact goes beyond victories; he shares the record for the most title defenses at lightweight, tying with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and Penn. His total fight time, standing at 7 hours, 57 minutes, and 10 seconds, is the second-longest in UFC history. Additionally, Edgar is tied for second place in post-fight bonuses, boasting eight alongside Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier.
As the UFC prepares to honor Frankie Edgar in the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremony, fight enthusiasts eagerly anticipate celebrating the career of this legendary athlete who left an indelible mark on the sport.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In the vibrant realm of UFC, Frankie Edgar’s announcement as the first 2024 Hall of Fame inductee resonates as a testament to his tenacity. Celebrating a career marked by epic comebacks and overcoming size disparities, Edgar’s journey captivates the essence of a true legend. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledges his greatness, recognizing Edgar’s remarkable 15-year commitment to battling the best across weight classes. As fans anticipate the summer induction, Edgar’s impact on the sport and his humanizing narrative echo through a career of extraordinary highs and a graceful retirement at Madison Square Garden in 2022.
