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No matter if he’s competing in the Octagon, for another promotion, in the gym, or some random competition in life, Frankie Edgar is a fighter to his core. That’s why talking about the end of his fighting career is a topic that doesn’t really resonate, since he feels he will be scrapping on some level to the day he dies.
On Wednesday, “The Answer” took part in the fight week tradition of media day, to promote his UFC 268 main card opening fight with thirteenth ranked bantamweight Marlon Vera (19-7-1). The conversation, of course, included his thoughts on his matchup with “Chito” on Nov. 6, but it wasn’t long before the discussion pivoted to how much longer he expects to compete in the sport.
When the 40-year-old was asked by a media member when he foresees the finish line to his days as a fighter, Edgar (24-9-1) had a point-blank answer. He will never stop fighting in some form. Even when he’s close to dead.
Frankie Edgar expects to be a fighter until his dying breath
“I’m gonna be fighting on my death bed,” Edgar said.
Having lost four of his last six, and been knocked out in three of those defeats, the question of when the former UFC lightweight champion will call it a career is a consistent part of every interview he takes part in these days. However, giving a significant answer is difficult for Edgar. He still very much loves the daily process of being a fighter, and the goal of being the best in the world remains.
But he doesn’t hold it against MMA media that ask about his fighting future. He understands it’s just a natural part of the narrative at this point of his career. Although, he admits opponents threatening that they will be the man to officially put an end to an aging fighter’s long career has become “f*cking old stuff.”
Edgar has been getting questioned about retirement long before UFC 268
“I don’t know, it’s tough man. I think all fights are fun, but achieving the goal is always the goal, and that’s probably the most fun. I think you need to have that pinnacle at the top of your list, as kind of what I got into this sport for, [which] is to be the best. And it’s always been my mindset, but I’m enjoying the process as I go,” said Edgar.
“It’s not being defiant [to not think seriously about retirement yet]. When I say I’m gonna fight on my death bed it’s like, I’m a fighter. That’s just what I am. And I’m always gonna fight in some shape or form. And it’s your job to ask these questions,” he added. “It’s natural to be a 40-year-old guy and people to say, ‘Hey, when are you gonna hang it up?’ Or it’s natural for your opponents to say they’re gonna retire you. Like come on, that’s f*cking old stuff.”
Edgar says the idea of his career being near its finish has been something he’s dealt with for years. Going back to his UFC 200 featherweight championship rematch with Jose Aldo. When long-time ESPN analyst Max Kellerman suggested the then 34-year-old Edgar may be close to the finish line of his career.
“I remember I was fighting a rematch against Aldo. I was [in my 30s], and Max Kellerman was like, ‘This could be the end.’ And I’m like, the end? What’s this guy talking about? So yea, that was a little weird to hear at 30-years-old,” Edgar said with a laugh.
UFc 268 takes place on Saturday night in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The event kicks off at 6 pm ET with preliminary action on ESPN+ and ESPN News. The main card pay-per-view follows at 10 pm ET exclusively on ESPN+.
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