Frankie Edgar is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from 2007 to 2022.
Edgar is a former UFC Lightweight Champion, having held the title from 2010 to 2012. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.
You can follow Frankie Edgar’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, fight purses, career earnings, endorsements, fight records, achievements, and more here.
Frankie Edgar’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Franklin James Edgar |
| Nickname | The Answer |
| Birth Date | October 16, 1981 |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
| Birthplace | Toms River, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| College | Clarion University of Pennsylvania |
| Turned Professional | 2005 |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Renee Edgar |
| Instagram Profile | @frankieedgar |
Frankie Edgar was born on October 16, 1981, in Toms River, New Jersey. He grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family, with his mother Mary (née Annese) and father Frank Edgar. Edgar is the oldest of 3 children.
He attended Toms River High School East, where he excelled in the sport, making it to the New Jersey state championship tournament 3 times.
Early Career
After high school, Edgar continued his wrestling career at Clarion University of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2005.
During his time at Clarion, he compiled an impressive record of 120-55 and qualified for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in all 4 years of his collegiate career.
He also competed in the 2004 College Freestyle Nationals, where he earned All-American honors.
Professional Career
Frankie Edgar’s professional MMA career began in 2005, and he quickly made a name for himself by winning his first six fights across various promotions.
Edgar made his UFC debut at UFC 67 in February 2007, defeating Tyson Griffin in a thrilling fight that earned him “Fight of the Night” honors.
The pinnacle of Edgar’s career came in April 2010 when he defeated the legendary BJ Penn at UFC 112 to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship.
He successfully defended the title 3 times, including two more victories over Penn and a memorable trilogy with Gray Maynard.
After losing the lightweight title to Benson Henderson in 2012, Edgar moved down to the featherweight division. He challenged for the featherweight title multiple times but came up short against Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.
In the latter part of his career, Edgar competed in the bantamweight division before retiring in 2022.
Wife
Frankie Edgar married his longtime girlfriend, Renee, on April 12, 2008. The couple has 3 children together: 2 sons, Francesco (born in January 2009) and Santino James (born in May 2010), and a daughter named Valentina (born in June 2014).
Frankie Edgar’s Net Worth Details
Frankie Edgar’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This figure is based on his career earnings from fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements throughout his 17-year professional MMA career.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC 281 | Chris Gutierrez | $271,000 |
| UFC 268 | Marlon Vera | $271,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov | Cory Sandhagen | $270,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Lee | Cub Swanson | $420,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs Faber | Urijah Faber | $320,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Munhoz vs Edgar | Pedro Munhoz | $320,000 |
| UFC 118 | BJ Penn | $661,000 |
| TUF 19 Finale | BJ Penn | $260,000 |
| UFC 200 | Jose Aldo | $205,000 |
| TUF: Team McGregor vs Team Faber Finale | Chad Mendes | $425,000 |
Career Earnings
Throughout his UFC career, Frankie Edgar’s total recorded fight earnings are estimated at $6,143,000.
This includes base salaries, win bonuses, performance bonuses, and pay-per-view points. His highest single-fight payout was $661,000 for his rematch against BJ Penn at UFC 118.
Endorsements
Edgar has had several endorsement deals throughout his career, including partnerships with Monster Energy, Reebok, and various MMA-related brands.
Fight Records
| Statistic | Record |
| Total Fights | 35 |
| Wins | 24 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Knockouts | 7 |
| Submissions | 4 |
| Decision Wins | 13 |
Achievements
- UFC Lightweight Champion (2010-2012)
- Three successful UFC Lightweight title defenses
- Seven-time “Fight of the Night” bonus winner
- Four-time “Performance of the Night” bonus winner
- Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame (2024)
- Holds the record for the most total fight time in UFC history
- Four-time NCAA Division I National qualifier in wrestling
FAQs
When did Frankie Edgar retire from MMA?
He retired from professional MMA in 2022.
How many UFC titles did Frankie Edgar win?
Edgar won one UFC title – the Lightweight Championship in 2010.
What is Frankie Edgar’s nickname?
“The Answer.”
Where did Frankie Edgar wrestle in college?
He wrestled at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
How many weight classes did Edgar compete in during his UFC career?
He competed in three weight classes: lightweight, featherweight, and bantamweight.
Who was Frankie Edgar’s toughest opponent?
Edgar has cited José Aldo and Max Holloway as some of his toughest opponents.
What is Frankie Edgar’s most famous fight?
His trilogy with Gray Maynard, especially their draw at UFC 125, is considered one of his most famous fights.
When was Frankie Edgar inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame?
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.
What is Frankie Edgar’s fighting style?
Edgar is known for his wrestling, boxing, and exceptional cardio.
How many “Fight of the Night” bonuses did Edgar win in his career?
Frankie Edgar won 7 “Fight of the Night” bonuses during his UFC career.
