Frankie Edgar’s comeback fight is no longer happening.
The former UFC Lightweight Champion shocked a lot of people when it was announced he was coming out of retirement to make his bare knuckle boxing debut.
Days before his 44th birthday, Edgar was scheduled to face off against former top-5 UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera at BKFC 82 in Newark, Jersey—their home state.
Many fans were concerned for Edgar’s health as the fighter was initially sent into retirement after three straight knockout losses in the UFC. Edgar’s family also advised him against fighting again.
Ahead of BKFC 82 this weekend, Frankie Edgar had the rug pulled out from under him.
Frankie Edgar pulled from BKFC debut against Jimmie Rivera
On Wednesday, BKFC boss David Feldman mentioned Edgar had a ‘potential medical issue’ on The Ariel Helwani Show, adding it was a ‘coin toss’ on whether or not Edgar would stay on the card.
According to a report from NJ.com, Edgar will no longer fight at BKFC 82.
Edgar, 43, underwent an echocardiogram, stress test, eye examination, bloodwork panel, EKG and MRI, to get clearance to fight from New Jersey State Athletic Control Board after they denied him twice.
Feldman confirmed to Ariel Helwani that the replacement for Edgar would be Montana’s Timmy Mason, who will step in to fight Rivera on Saturday.
Fans react to Frankie Edgar’s withdrawal
The news that Edgar won’t be fighting at BKFC 82 came with a mixed reaction.
While Edgar was one of the bigger names on the card, some fans rejoiced at the thought of Edgar not fighting again.
“To be honest, I’m happy Frankie retired 4 years ago and he should stay retired there is nothing left to prove as a HOF former LW champion. He’s done it. Stay retired,” one fan wrote of the cancellation.
“I couldn’t watch Frankie get sparked again,” another fan said.
“I speak for everyone when I say GOOD,” another fan said on X.