No petty arguments here.
Considering the career Frankie Edgar has had in the UFC, his first-round defeat to Brian Ortega was difficult for his fans to take. Ortega wasted barely any time in doing what had never been done before: knocking out Edgar.
With 16 seconds remaining in the first round, Ortega ended proceedings convincingly with a brutal right uppercut that left Edgar flat on his back.
Considering Edgar was supposed to get his title shot at UFC 222 against Max Holloway before the featherweight champion was forced to pull out with a leg injury, it was a whimpering denouement to what could have been a memorable night.
Following a third win in eight months, the future is bright for Ortega. The 27-year-old Californian looks to have done enough for a title shot at Holloway once he has recovered. For Edgar, however, the future is a bit more unclear.
Following the fight, Conor McGregor posted on his Twitter account. There was no calling out, no smack talk, no bullshit. Just an honest assessment of what had gone down at UFC 222, expressing his respect and admiration for Edgar.
Frankie's career deserved for that to be against me tonight.
Respect Frankie.
Love and respect always!
A true fighters fighter ❤— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 4, 2018
Not long after, Holloway posted a similar message, his a little longer, deeper and more eloquent.
You had nothing to gain from taking that fight @FrankieEdgar. But you took it you defended what you already earned. There’s no belt for sacrificing everything but true fans and Jersey knows no belt can outshine what you bring to the sport. Chin up bratha
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) March 4, 2018
Edgar could have waited for a title fight that he’d already earned, yet he chose to remain on the UFC 222 card and opted to take on one of the sport’s rising stars. That took a kind of courage and competitive spirit that isn’t so easily found, even in athletes competing at an elite level.
When it all came down to it, the likes of McGregor and Holloway were in unison when they acknowledged Edgar’s integrity and undying will to fight. Credit where credit’s due.
