Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar has issued his first statement since his UFC Fight Night 184 loss to Cory Sandhagen on Saturday.
In the co-main event, Sandhagen (14-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) knocked out Edgar (24-9-1 MMA, 18-9-1 UFC) with a flying knee 28 seconds into the fight. It was the second fastest flying knee knockout in UFC history behind Jorge Masvidal’s five-second finish of Ben Askren at UFC 239 in July 2019.
In a lengthy statement released Monday on Instagram, Edgar opened up about the defeat and how he’s dealing with it. The statement was accompanied by an Instagram caption, which defined the word “resilience.”
“I’ve licked my wounds long enough, I’m home with my family life is good. On Saturday I was as prepared for a fight as I could have been. Props to Cory Sandhagen he landed a perfectly timed and executed bomb on me, luckily I don’t really remember it much lol. This game can be a cruel bitch and Saturday night was just that but I ain’t panicked I been here before. Thank you to my family, team, and friends who really are all one in the same for continually giving me the love and support it takes to be a fighter. The loyalty and unconditional love and guidance you all give me is truly unbelievable I love you all more than you know. To my fans who always ride with me I appreciate you all and you (make) this fun for me. Till the next time, see you all soon! #Fe”
The loss was Edgar’s first in two appearances at bantamweight, but his third overall in four fights. It was the third knockout loss of his professional career, which dates back to July 2005.
UFC Fight Night 184 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streamed on ESPN+.