When we begin to look back on our favorite athletes in a specific sport, we’re often drawn to those who left a lasting impression on our lives.
Our first instinct is to recall the athletes who stuck out to us for something they said or accomplished over the course of their career.
In the same sense, we’re more likely to remember those who left it all out on the table; those who gave every ounce of blood, sweat and tears they had.
Enter Frankie Edgar.
Edgar is a product of Toms River, N.J., and has developed the reputation as arguably the toughest fighter in MMA today.
In fact, Edgar’s toughness has translated into a spot on the top pound-for-pound rankings, as he’s also the UFC lightweight champion.
While Edgar certainly isn’t up to speed with the Anderson Silva‘s and the Georges St-Pierre’s of the world, it’s only a matter of time.
To the surprise of many, Edgar could be amongst the top of the list sooner than some may think.
As we’ve come to realize, Silva has been sidelined due to an injury he endured in training preparations leading up to his bout with Yushin Okami at UFC 134.
However, Silva’s injuries have since escalated into a serious restraint on his career as he won’t return until the midpoint of 2012.
The same could be said for current welterweight champion, St-Pierre, who’s currently recovering from a severe ACL injury.
It appears as if Silva is heading towards the emergency exit sign of his career, as he’s already 36 years old.
St-Pierre, who’s just 30, has plenty left in the tank, but an injury such as his most recent could play a lasting effect on his career.
Therefore, with the departure of both Silva and St-Pierre in the near future, Edgar will be left competing for the No. 1 position with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.
Many believe Jones is the more complete fighter, as he’s demonstrated the skill set to be the 205-pound champion for a very long time.
However, up until this point in his career, Edgar is more proven and is undoubtedly the tougher fighter.
If Edgar can defeat his upcoming opponent Benson Henderson at UFC 144, he’ll be well on his way to becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.
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