Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Frankie Edgar currently has one fight left on his deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which means “The Answer” could test free agency if he doesn’t re-up with the promotion he’s called home for the past 13 years.
According to Edgar, UFC is still the top option and he realistically sees himself finishing his combat career inside the Octagon. But things have to make sense at the negotiating table for him to ink a new deal with the Endeavor-owned promotion.
“It’ll be 13 years I’ve been in the UFC coming in February,” Edgar said during a recent chat on the Joe Rogan Experience (via MMA Junkie).
“Money talks. But I mean, honestly, if I was being straight up, where would I want to finish my career? I do want to finish in the UFC. I got in the UFC at 5-0. I pretty much grew up here,” he added. “It’d be nice to finish it here, but everything has to make sense.”
Signing with UFC back in 2007 after just five pro fights on the regional scene, Edgar went on to win six of his first seven bouts, which was good enough to earn him his first-ever shot at the promotion’s Lightweight title against B.J. Penn.
After defeating “Baby J” at UFC 112, Edgar defended his belt three times before losing it to Benson Henderson. Edgar came up short in his three tries to win the Featherweight strap, but his status as one of the best in the game had already been established.
That said, “The Answer” is currently on a two-fight losing streak, and has dropped three-of his last four fights, most recently losing to Chan Sung Jung via first-round knockout at UFC Fight Night 165 in Busan, South Korea (see it again here).
His recent woes could be a sticking point if UFC tries to offer him less than what he’s seeking. But since “The Answer” has always been a reliable company men, it’s safe to say the two sides will likely come to a mutual agreement.
If not, you know Scott Coker will be ready to swoop in.