Edgar: 'It's Not About Respect'

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It's been a good year for Frankie Edgar.

First, he beat arguably the greatest lightweight to ever don a pair of fingerless gloves at UFC 112 in April. Four months later “The Answer” proved the first go-around was no fluke, defeating B.J. Penn decisively in the main event of UFC 118.

But besting Penn twice apparently wasn't enough for the New Jersey native. He took it upon himself to spread the wealth, delivering a win-inspiring pregame speech to the New York Jets the night before a week-11 matchup with the Houston Texans. According to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Edgar spoke to the team the night before about overcoming adversity and performing in spite of the odds.

On New Year's Day from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Edgar will attempt to overcome his own odds once again as he defends his title against Gray Maynard in the main event of UFC 125. Through all of this, Edgar claims he's tried to keep a level head and stay grounded, and that attitude was on full display during Tuesday's media conference call. When asked to reveal the contents of his speech to the Jets, Edgar responded frankly.

“I told [the team] about being mentally tough and not giving up,” he said. “It's not about [getting] respect as long as you believe in yourself and believe in your teammates. You can conquer anything.”

Maynard, who admittedly does not have cable TV, interjected after the reply, holding a miniature conversation with the man he will attempt to pulverize in a little over a week.

“Hey, you gave a speech to the Jets?”

“Yeah, man. It was pretty wild,” replied Edgar.

“Ballin',” Maynard laughed.

Indeed, one would think with his newfound celebrity that Edgar would fall victim to the inherent distractions that come with being a world champion. Not so, says Edgar, who seems unconcerned with his level of fame, or lack thereof. Edgar was the consensus dark horse for both his fights with Penn and will once again enter the cage as an underdog against Maynard. When asked if he was concerned with the apparent lack of respect he's receiving, Edgar reiterated the same advice he gave Sanchez and the Jets.

“I just think it takes time [for people to respect you]. B.J. has been around for a long time. He's been the dominant force at lightweight,” said Edgar. “The process takes time. I’m seeing respect more and more. But that's not what [being a champion] is about. As long as I keep winning fights, the respect will come eventually.”

While respect may be somewhat slow in developing for Edgar, one aspect of being champion has shown up in spades according to the lightweight king.

“I'll be honest with you. I think the pressure [builds] with every fight. But I just deal with it and make sure it doesn't affect me. And so far, it hasn't.”