N.J. native, UFC legend returns to wrestling roots on hot new platform

Frankie Edgar ended a legendary MMA career four years ago, but the Toms River native never lost the itch to compete. That’s why the 44-year-old Edgar will be headed out to Milwaukee to compete in Real American Freestyle Saturday on the RAF 11 card. Edgar will take on another former MMA standout Clay Guida, who is a year younger than Edgar, in an 160-pound match. “Time is the winner over everyone,” said Edgar. “I never wanted to retire, but fighting that late in your career is probably not the best idea. Wrestling can fill that void. When they asked if I’d be interested I said I’d love to because there will be a time when I won’t be able to do it.” While Edgar became famous in MMA, returning to wrestling is like returning to his roots. He was a two-time state placewinner at Toms River East and a four-time NCAA qualifier for Clarion. He utilized his wrestling skills extensively when he became a champion in UFC. “I started out as a wrestler, and that springboarded me into MMA,” said Edgar. “Wrestling was the biggest part of (the MMA foundation). You have to be well-rounded, but in true MMA, wrestling teaches what you have to get done, the great base to have, the process of getting ready and preparing. As a wrestler you dictate whether you are standing, defending a takedown or taking it to the ground.” The Toms River native was a UFC lightweight champion who posted a 24-11-1 record in his MMA career. He won his first nine bouts and 10 times earned Fight, Performance or Knockout of the Night. Edgar planned to return to competition late last year in a bare-knuckle fighting bout in Newark, but it fell apart at the last minute. Then he received the offer to join Real American Freestyle and he made his debut in May, losing, 12-1, to Merab Dvalishvili, who recently won the main event of RAF 10 against Henry Cejudo. “Retroactively, that loss looks a little better,” said Edgar. “It felt awkward, first time wrestling in 20 years. I couldn’t pull the trigger. I think this time I can just let it fly a little more.” All three of Edgar’s children are involved in wrestling, and his son, Santino, was a state placewinner for Christian Brothers Academy as a freshman this past year. Edgar admits it is special for his kids to watch him compete. “My boys saw a little bit of my fighting career, mostly the end of it,” said Edgar. “They see me prepare now and I try to set an example, but I’m learning from my kids as well. I was just out in Fargo (attending the national freestyle championships). Santino was just out in Iowa, he wrestles a lot more than I do.” Edgar is training for the bout at his Iron Army Academy with Mark Grey, Vinnie DelleFave and Sebastian Rivera. He feels more comfortable than he did heading into his last match and is hoping to continue to compete for the promotion going forward though he doesn’t have another match scheduled yet. Edgar said he was hoping the promotion will eventually hold an event in New Jersey. I’m having fun with it, it takes care of that itch I have,” said Edgar. “I’m looking forward to getting after it. It’s good to be able to get up in the morning and have a goal to train towards. “I definitely feel better, I have my feet under me and I’m more consistent too. I’m staying after it.” Another New Jersey native, Skylar Grote, is also on the card in a women’s cruiserweight match against Adeline Gray. The headliners are Arman Tsarukyan vs. Colby Covington and Ben Askren vs. Belal Muhammad. Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs will compete on next month’s RAF card in Cleveland. Rivera, Darrion Caldwell, Anthony Ashnault and Mike VanBrill have been among other New Jersey wrestlers who competed for the promotion, which is gaining traction. Kyle Snyder vs. Abdulrashid Sadualev was one of the headliners of last week’s card in Europe, while Gable Steveson, Helen Maroulis and Kyle Dake have been among the other top stars to compete. All six of the 2024 Olympic mens freestyle gold medalists signed to the promotion. “It’s great for guys who want to wrestle here and there but also guys who are still competing for world titles,” said Edgar.