Frankie Edgar, a renowned figure in the world of mixed martial arts, has been announced as the first inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame for the class of 2024. Edgar's illustrious career spanned 17 years, where he compiled a notable record of 23 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw.
Beginning his professional MMA journey in 2005, Edgar quickly made a name for himself by winning his first six fights across various MMA promotions. His UFC debut came in 2007 at UFC 67, where he secured a victory over Tyson Griffin and earned the "Fight of the Night" bonus. This marked the start of a remarkable career in the UFC, characterised by significant achievements and memorable fights.
One of Edgar's most notable accomplishments was winning the UFC lightweight championship by defeating B.J. Penn at UFC 112 in 2010, a fight where he entered as a significant underdog. He defended this title in a rematch against Penn and later against Gray Maynard, with whom he had a trilogy of fights that are counted among the greatest in MMA history. Edgar also challenged Benson Henderson for the lightweight title and faced Jose Aldo for the featherweight title, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level across multiple weight classes.
Throughout his career, Edgar has been recognized for his endurance and skill inside the Octagon. He holds the record for the second most total fight time in UFC history and is tied for the second-most Fight of the Night bonuses. Additionally, his significant strike defense rate in the UFC lightweight division is the best in its history.
Despite facing challenges in the latter part of his career, including a series of losses, Edgar's legacy in the UFC remains undisputed. Dana White, the UFC President, has lauded Edgar as one of the greatest athletes in UFC history, emphasizing his consistent performance against top-tier athletes over more than 15 years.
Frankie Edgar's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame not only celebrates his achievements within the Octagon but also recognises his contribution to the sport of MMA. His journey has been an inspiration to many and serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience as a fighter.