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#2. Frankie Edgar successfully defended his title three times
As the saying goes, it's much easier to earn a UFC title, than to defend it. First, Frankie Edgar defeated B.J. Penn to become UFC lightweight champion. After successfully thwarting Penn in his first title defense, Edgar was tasked with facing Gray Maynard. The pair of lightweights are known for having one of the most tantalizing rivalries in UFC history.
Seeking a second defense of his 155-pound gold, Edgar went to war against Gray Maynard. The bout was a rematch, and at the time Maynard was the only man to ever defeat Frankie Edgar in an MMA competition. In one of the most epic 'Fight of the Night' showings, the two lightweights fought to a draw and Frankie Edgar retained his 155-pound strap.
Of course, unfinished business needed to be addressed. With two title defenses under his belt, 'The Answer' closed out the rivalry with a bang. After the two went back and forth in a bloody chess match, Frankie Edgar knocked out Maynard in the fourth round.
Despite the recent shortcomings in the octagon, 'The Answer' has become a UFC enigma.
#1. Frankie Edgar has the most fight time in the UFC octagon
On the one hand, fighters are not paid by the hour, but without experience, evolution is impossible for a UFC caliber athlete. Frankie Edgar holds the UFC record for most fight time inside the octagon. The former champion has been on the receiving end of many decisions, however, those were also taken as opportunities to grow his craft.
The former lightweight champion has been in the octagon for a total of seven hours, forty minutes, and fifty-one seconds (7:40:51). While that record time continues to expand, it's not by mistake that Edgar has found success despite staying in the kitchen longer than most.
Frankie Edgar is a seasoned veteran. The former lightweight champion has won thirteen bouts by decision during his MMA tenure. With a mindful approach to striking, Edgar's cage experience is a unique quality that very few fighters possess at this point. With the amount of time Edgar has spent in the cage, a nickname like 'The Answer' seems apt.
While the UFC Hall of Fame has yet to add Frankie Edgar, B.J. Penn has already earned the distinction. With an incredible record filled with gold belts and rivalries, Frankie Edgar would make a fine addition to the UFC Hall of Fame.
Do you think Frankie Edgar has earned a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame?
