TSC Interviews: UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar
UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar is truly "The Answer." Yes, he "borrowed" NBA legend Allen Iverson's nickname, but the champ has shown he can be a great sport.
While Iverson was anything but the ultimate team player, Edgar has been the contrary. MMA and basketball are polar opposites, but both require teamwork. Trust in your team-mates is important. For Edgar, his team that includes Ricardo Almeida has helped guide him to the MMA promise land atop UFC's always-competitive lightweight division.
Defeating B.J. Penn is no small feat. Defeating him at lightweight? Impossible to many, but not Edgar. Turns out at both UFC 112 and UFC 118, Edgar was not only Penn's kryptonite, but he had "The Answer" for the lightweight legend.
Widely considered the best lightweight and one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world, Edgar is on a mission to continue to build on his already-stellar UFC career.
The UFC Lightweight Champion was kind enough to speak to me while in attendance at Bellator 33, regarding his rematch with Gray Maynard, training regimen, and roller coaster ride in MMA.
Fast Facts
- Current UFC Lightweight Champion
- Professional MMA record of 13-1
- Notable wins over B.J. Penn (twice), Sean Sherk, and Tyson Griffin
Frankie, you've had one hell of a ride in MMA this year. What's it been like?
It's incredible, man. Just incredible. It's been a lot of fun for me to hit my stride. Beating B.J. Penn, the greatest lightweight of all-time twice. Becoming champion. It's just an amazing feeling.
What brings you here to Bellator 33: Alvarez vs Huerta?
I'm here to support my man Eddie Alvarez. He's one of the best in the world. He's in his hometown and he's on his game. He'll show up. We train together often and he's a close friend. Should be a great fight.
What's your prediction tonight?
A 'W', baby. All about the 'W'! It' going to be a win with a finish.
[Editor's Note: Alvarez was victorious via doctor's stoppage.]
Where do you rank Eddie Alvarez amongst lightweights?
I rank Eddie Alvarez amongst the best. He's the Bellator Lightweight Champion and been dominant. He's always improving. I definitely rank him at the top. He deserves a lot of credit. He belongs right at the top.
Eddie Alvarez never got a chance to avenge his loss to DREAM's Shinya Aoki. You'll get the chance to avenge your only loss against Gray Maynard at UFC 125: Resolution. I assume you're looking forward to that?
Oh yeah. Gray Maynard is a tough guy who's finally getting his shot at the title, but I'm going to Vegas to win and kept my belt. It should be a great fight. I definitely want to avenge my only loss.
[Editor's Note: Maynard defeated Edgar by unanimous decision in 2008.]
A lot of fighters constantly align themselves with "super camps" such as Greg Jackson's MMA and American Top Team. You've gone the same route as Matt Serra and stuck with Ricardo Almeida. What has he meant to you professionally and personally?
Ricardo's great. He's a great friend and an excellent trainer. You're nothing without your team and I do believe I'm part of the best team in the world. I wouldn't be here today as UFC Lightweight Champion without Ricardo Almeida. All these guys I'm with are selfless and we always have each other's backs. I truly believe I've found a home and I'm very happy where I'm at.
Any prediction on how your rematch with Gray Maynard will go?
With my hand raised, the belt around my waist, and the 'W.'
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