By: Samantha L. Johnson
It’s a breezy Saturday evening in Las Vegas. This night is not so different than most others, it’s February, there are people crowding everywhere along the strip and Mandalay Bay is bustling as always. But, nestled in the event center Frank James Edgar knows this will be the night to change his life. Frankie “The Answer” came out guns blazing as the familiar calm of battle came over him. After 15 minutes of back and forth testing with Tyson Griffin, Edgar had changed his life. He won his UFC debut and was constructing his path to the title; one fight at a time.
Born in Toms River, NJ, Edgar is your stereo-typical north-east coast guy; he’s got the “accent” and demeanor to prove it. He never dreamed of being a movie star or Wall Street banker like others from the coast; instead, he wanted to compete. Growing up wrestling, Frankie was a natural athlete. While wrestling at Toms River High School he graced the State Championships twice and attending Clarion University in Pennsylvania he qualified for nationals all four years.
This Saturday Frankie will face a familiar feeling. This night, the night he faces Sean Sherk, can change the rest of his life. A win would mean a jump in ranks and opportunities to face guys in the top echelon of the lightweight division. But a loss, a loss would most likely put him back on preliminary cards facing only mediocre talent. Frankie isn’t even considering that possible outcome. He’s worked long and hard to get where he is; training jui jitsu with Ricardo Almeida at his Hamilton, NJ, school and boxing with Mark Henry to perfect every aspect of his game.
“The Answer” was married in April of 2008 and in January of this year welcomed his first baby boy, Francesco- he has more than himself to fight for now. 4-1 in the UFC, Edgar has proven time and again that he is not one to be over looked; he has the skill and talent needed to face top opponents and win. Sean Sherk will not be an easy battle for Frankie, but that’s okay, he likes a challenge.
Sherk is going into the fight with a tainted history of a positive steroid test and a stripped title. Some would say he has everything to gain and nothing to lose, making him an even more brutal warrior. Edgar knows this; he knows Sherk trains with some of the most intensive techniques and methods. He knows Sherk needs this win to stay relevant and on the upside of the game, but Frankie doesn’t care. This is his night, his win and he’ll do whatever it takes to secure his “W” and move to 10-1. He’s done the work and he’ll continue to do it until he reaches the ultimate prize… that shiny belt around his waist and the title of “Light Weight Champion” after his name.
This story will be posted on www.frankedgar.com
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