UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar’s fighting career didn’t end on a positive note.
UFC bantamweight Chris Gutierrez is one of the most dangerous puzzles to solve in the 135-pound division. Ahead of his return at UFC Kansas City, the biggest win of Gutierrez’s career came at the expense of an all-time legend.
Gutierrez and former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar squared off in front of a sold-out crowd at the legendary Madison Square Garden at UFC 281. It was seen as Edgar’s potential last UFC fight, but with a win, Edgar would’ve likely postponed his retirement plans.
Gutierrez was relatively unknown to the UFC fanbase entering UFC 281, as many pulled for Edgar to get back in the win column in friendly territory. But that changed as both bantamweights entered the Octagon.
Gutierrez quickly found his rhythm against Edgar, landing several nasty leg kicks that quickly stifled Edgar’s advances. Gutierrez had Edgar on his back foot for as long as the fight lasted, and the action lasted approximately two minutes.
At the two-minute mark of the first round, Gutierrez timed a potential takedown attempt from Edgar perfectly, landing a knee to Edgar’s chin. The knee immediately knocked Edgar unconscious and stunned the MSG crowd.
It also led to a heartbreaking moment as Edgar’s family sat cageside. But Gutierrez, classy in defeat, shared a touching moment with the former UFC champion after he regained consciousness.
The victory skyrocketed Gutierrez’s stock in the bantamweight division. But at present, Gutierrez is a featherweight and will face John Castaneda at UFC Kansas City next Saturday.
Edgar announced his retirement in the cage after UFC 281 and entered the UFC Hall of Fame last year.
🚨 Chris Gutierrez🇺🇸🇬🇹🇨🇴 éteint la légende Frankie Edgar🇺🇸 au 1er round !!
4 victoires de suite pour Chris, 8 combats de suite sans perdre et il sera désormais Top 12 des 61KG ! #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/hB7kTMeTWm
— MMA EMPIRE ⚔️ (@LempireMMA) November 13, 2022
Ian Machado Garry warned UFC Kansas City co-headliner ahead of welterweight clash
UFC Kansas City featured a welterweight headliner between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates, two of the brightest young stars in the division. Prates was supposed to fight at UFC 314 before his scheduled opponent Geoff Neal withdrew due to injury.
Just days out from UFC Kansas City, Garry sent Prates a chilling warning about what he intends to transpire inside the cage. Garry and Prates are two of the most dynamic welterweight strikers, making a highlight knockout by either side a strong possibility.
Gutierrez and other top names will look to make a statement at UFC Kansas City. In a new weight class, expect Gutierrez to attempt to put out a similar performance to his Edgar knockout.
