Frankie Edgar’s highly anticipated return to the ring has been abruptly halted, leaving fans and the fighter himself in a state of frustration and confusion. But here’s where it gets controversial: Edgar claims he was unfairly pulled from BKFC 82, and he’s not holding back in his criticism of the promotion. Let’s dive into the details and uncover the full story behind this shocking turn of events.
If things had gone according to plan, Frankie Edgar, the former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight contender, would have made his bare-knuckle boxing debut in his hometown of Newark, N.J., this month. However, fate—and BKFC—had other plans. Just days before the October 4th event, BKFC President David Feldman announced that Edgar was being removed from the card due to unspecified medical issues. While Feldman later confirmed that Edgar was compensated for the bout, the fighter is far from satisfied. In a candid episode of his Champ and The Tramp podcast, Edgar shared his side of the story, and it’s nothing short of explosive.
And this is the part most people miss: Edgar revealed that he had been training rigorously for six to seven weeks, only to receive an email from BKFC a week before the fight. The message claimed that the owner of BKFC was unreachable and that a doctor had recommended Edgar not fight due to his age, recent TKO losses, and layoff. What’s baffling is that this recommendation came before the doctor had even reviewed Edgar’s medical records. Edgar, who had passed all required medical tests with flying colors, found this not only unprofessional but deeply suspicious.
Edgar’s frustration is palpable. He underwent an extensive battery of medical exams, including physicals, blood tests, eye exams, heart stress tests, MRIs, and more. Every doctor cleared him to fight, with one even stating, ‘You’ve got a clean bill of health.’ Yet, BKFC claimed they hadn’t received his medical records, a statement Edgar vehemently disputes. He even provided the records directly to the commission, only to be told he was in perfect health—after the fight was canceled.
What makes this situation even more infuriating for Edgar is that BKFC pursued him relentlessly before he agreed to come out of retirement. ‘They came to me multiple times,’ Edgar said. ‘I wasn’t thinking about fighting, but they offered me a significant amount of money. That’s the only reason I got off the couch.’ Once he committed, he gave it his all—training, promotional appearances, even hosting a watch party. Now, he can’t shake the feeling that BKFC used his name to sell tickets, knowing full well he might not compete.
Here’s where it gets even more controversial: Edgar suspects BKFC’s motives. He speculates that the promotion may have pulled him due to financial reasons, such as poor ticket sales or lost sponsors. ‘They didn’t sell enough tickets, and they figured, let’s get one of the highest-paid guys off the card,’ he said. While these are just theories, they raise serious questions about BKFC’s integrity.
Edgar’s biggest concern? The narrative that he was medically unfit to fight. ‘People are going to say I wasn’t ready,’ he admitted. ‘But the truth is, I passed every single medical test. I was ready to go.’ Despite the setback, Edgar remains open to future opportunities, provided they’re worth his time and effort.
So, what’s next for Frankie Edgar? He’s not planning to sue BKFC, but he’s issuing a warning to fellow fighters: ‘Beware.’ His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of dealing with promotions that may prioritize profits over fighters’ well-being.
Thought-provoking question for you: Do you think BKFC handled this situation fairly, or is Edgar’s frustration justified? Let’s discuss in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
