Conor McGregor, Max Holloway Send Messages to Frankie Edgar After Stunning Knockout Loss
Frankie Edgar was finished for the first time in his career on Saturday night as Brian Ortega put himself into position to battle for the featherweight title with a win at UFC 222.
Ortega caught Edgar with a huge elbow striker during an exchange in the opening round before finishing the fight a few seconds later following another massive uppercut that put the former lightweight champion down and out.
After the stunning result, former featherweight champion Conor McGregor sent a message to Edgar on Twitter to pay tribute to the long time contender at 145 pounds after his stunning knockout loss.
Of course, McGregor and Edgar have danced around fighting each other for several years including the Irishman actually offering to step into face him at UFC 222.
“Frankie’s career deserved for that to be against me tonight,” McGregor wrote.
“Respect Frankie. Love and respect always! A true fighters fighter.”
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
Edgar also received a message from the reigning featherweight champion Max Holloway, who he was supposed to face in the UFC 222 main event on Saturday night.
While the door isn’t shut on the two fighters facing off sometime in the future, Holloway gave Edgar a ton of credit for accepting the bout with Ortega, knowing what was on the line if he lost.
“You had nothing to gain from taking that fight, Frankie Edgar, but you took it, you defended what you already earned,” Holloway wrote. “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.”
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
There’s no telling what comes next for Edgar following this set back, although he has hinted in the past that he may still consider a drop down to 135 pounds before his career is over.
