Sean Sherk vs Frank Edgar UFC 98 fight on tap for May 23
by MMAmania.com on Jan 20, 2009 10:28 PM EST
59 comments
Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk (33-3) will attempt to get one step closer to reclaiming his 155-pound title when he collides with top division contender Frank Edgar (9-1) at UFC 98 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 23.
MMAmania.com has learned from a source close to the Sherk camp that the bout has been agreed upon and will be a featured fight of the evening.
Sherk failed to reclaim his title against BJ Penn at UFC 84: "Ill Will" back in May 2008. It was his first fight since being stripped of the title and suspended for six months because of a positive test for steroids that he refuted vigorously.
At the ripe old age of 35, the "Muscle Shark" rebounded with unanimous decision win over Tyson Griffin at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote," demonstrating much improved striking skills. Primarily known for his overwhelming wrestling attack, Sherk's most recent multidimensional approach earned him and Griffin the "Fight of the Night."
He won the vacant title back in 2006, outpointing Kenny Florian on all three judges scorecards in a blood-soaked five-round bout. His loss to Penn -– the first since 2005 -– snapped a three fight win streak.
Edgar recently sustained a knee injury, which forced him out of a high profile fight against Matt Wiman at UFC Fight Night 16: "Fight for the Troops" on December 10. He was replaced by Jim Miller -- a surging prospect who Edgar defeated earlier in his career -- on short notice.
Prior to being scratched from that fight, "The Answer" rebounded from the first professional loss of his career to Gray Maynard (unanimous decision) at UFC Fight Night 13 to outpoint former number one contender Hermes Franca on all three judges scorecards at UFC Fight Night 14: "Silva vs. Irvin" in July 2008.
The latter bout also earned "Fight of the Night" honors, making a showdown with Sherk -- who is also a wrestler turned mixed martial artist -- a possible up-and-down, back-and-forth action-packed battle.
Edgar recently earned a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu while training at Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu in Hamilton, N.J., under Ricardo Almeida — the star pupil of Renzo Gracie. He is a decorated high school (Toms River High School East) and collegiate (Clarion University) wrestler out of Toms River, N.J., who also moonlights as an assistant wrestling coach at Rutgers University.
Jim Miller, Tyson Griffin, Mark Bocek and Spencer Fisher are just a few of the notable opponents who Edgar has handled, which has helped him rise to the top of the very crowded UFC 155-pound division in short order.
If he can add Sherk to that hit list it would be that much more impressive.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more announcements and fight card rumors regarding UFC 98.
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yeah, maynard showed how hard it is for frankie to handle guys that are bigger, stronger, and better wrestlers then him. frankie better bulk up a bit or he’s in trouble
by megatherium on Jan 20, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
easy win for sherk! realistically the only guys i could see beating sherk are penn and florian… hes going to crush everyone else in this weight class
by brendan on Jan 21, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How is this fight going to be any different then Sherk vs. Tyson?
by john on Jan 21, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the first fight that came to my mind as well. However, I think it will be different. Although Frankie has a close decision win over Giffin, I got Griffin ranked higher in the LW division so having Sherk fight Edgar is really a step down for Sherk. He fought BJ better than any other LW has in a very long time, and keeps winning since then.
Sherk and Griffin ended up being a stand up battle. But like someone mentioned above, Gray Maynard taught us that a larger wrestler can DOMINATE Frankie by taking him down and keeping him there. Sean Sherk knows how to gameplan, and I’m pretty sure he seen that fight.
With some of these fights being booked, the decision has been made that it is about time to make that 2nd deposit on BetUs…..
by ViolentMike on Jan 21, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And, Sherk has way better standup than Edgar.
Also, Sherk has proved that he has a fanstasic jaw. It takes ALOT to finish him. And I’m afraid Frankie don’t have what it takes.
by ViolentMike on Jan 21, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Sherk mixes up his wrestling with his stand up in this fight, instead of going all one.
by Synyster [[2009 Year of Gegard Mousasi]] on Jan 21, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Sherk still wants to show off his stand up. Especially against a guy Edgar who wont pose much of a threat to him standing. This fight will polay out just like Sherk vs. Griffin. sherk is going to box his way to a decision win!
by john on Jan 21, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so unfair on maynard he should be fighting good competition like sherk instead he’ll probably be fighting someone not even top 10…sucks
i hope sherk destroys edgar because i dont like him
i think tyson or miller would take edgar if they were to fight him again
by ufcaddict on Jan 21, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
my bad i forgot about his likely fight with jim miller not taking anything away from him but gray should have this even though jim looked good in his last fight
by ufcaddict on Jan 21, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
edgar will beat sherk hands down he destroyed tyson griffin
by carmine on Apr 30, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, it should be Maynard vs Sherk. Let Edgar fight Miller.
by Sidd on Jan 20, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
EDGAR ALREADY HAS A WIN OVER JIM MILLER
by Braveheart on Jan 21, 2009 6:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
jim miller has improved since then i think miller could take him
by ufcaddict on Jan 21, 2009 8:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Edgar and Miller are training partners.
by SteelFan714 on Jan 21, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maynard is the right guy to beat Sherk,mark my words.
by pamirec on Jan 21, 2009 5:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well who is Sherk fighting next is my question, hopefully the winner of the Diego-Joe daddy fight. Edgar does not possess a danger to Sherk at all.
by Liddell-Marquardt-GSP-Sherk on Jan 21, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, hard to see Sherk losing this one.
by Kdog on Jan 21, 2009 4:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Edgar but he’s gonna get man-handled by Sherk.
by allamerican on Jan 21, 2009 8:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA frankie f*#@ed that guy up all you haters dont no about edgar he is a fuking beasted
by Duzer on May 24, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sherk should win this fight. Then Edgar should move down to 145 in the WEC. Edgar is a great fighter, but is just too small for this weight division.
by 45 Huddle on Jan 20, 2009 10:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, first Huerta and now Edgar. I think this will be a make or break fight for Edgar. Both fighters hold wins over Griffin but I think this is a bad matchup for Edgar. I would see the fighting going more like his fight with Gray Maynard.
Sherk is a bigger, stronger, more seasoned wrestler, who may have better stand up. I cant see how Edgar wins agaisnt the cagey vetran. No doubt this will go to a decision.
If Edgar gets overwhelmed I would like to see him move to the WEC featherweight divion and challege guys like Faber, Brown, and Garcia. If TysonGriffin can beat Faber (albet it awhile ago) Edgar can realistically be competitive there.
by Brian on Jan 20, 2009 10:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
155 has a lot of guys but Florian deserve the next title shot. After him there is a long list. If Penn does beat GSP which to fighters would compete for the vaccant strap? Possibly Florian vs the winner of this one. What abour Diego Sanchez? Is he 1 or 2 wins away from a shot?
by hatteras on Jan 20, 2009 10:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If bj wins he’s not vacating the LW belt. He will fight florian later this year.
by mike22 on Jan 20, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maynard is 5 8" Edgar and Sherk 5 6"
I am thinking this will be a war. Will be interesting to see how both fighters work it out in the clinch.
Jizzo, I am with you. WAR Edgar
by TapedUpPair on Jan 20, 2009 11:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sherk has this one. He’s too much to handle for Edgar.
by DSmith on Jan 20, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m sick of everybody talking shit about frankie {size} Wait, Watch and See!!! first Sherk then Kenny!!!!! WAR EDGAR
by pan ams champ on Jan 20, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Cheering for Edgar but seriously think Sherk will smash him.
by the spyder on Jan 20, 2009 11:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Curious – who thinks sherk was guilty? And, if so, how much does this effect his strength and quickness?
I’m thinking if the pp is clean this will be a good acid-test for both fighters.
by TapedUpPair on Jan 20, 2009 11:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
who cares anymore? i dont and i think most people dont care.
Have you seen his fights since returning from the suspension?
He is still one of the fastest and strongest LW.
by mike22 on Jan 20, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i saw Penn dominate him. but most are dominated by Penn. not sure what to think, that’s why I post.
by TapedUpPair on Jan 21, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sherk probably was guilty and what it did and what u can see now is that his conditioning isn’t as good as it was…
by RoB on Jan 21, 2009 1:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see Edgar being smart enough to realize he probably wont be able to outwrestle sherk. So hes probably gonna try to keep it on his feet and outpoint sherk in the standup. Even though Sherks little T rex arms have gotten alot better with striking.
This will be a balls to the wall fight. War Edgar.
by terribleone on Jan 20, 2009 11:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
shamrock vs tank april! after the valentines event expect to see these geezers fight it out, probably resulting in a ko victory for the tank.
by Jared on Jan 21, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Sherk will win, i don’t see how how Edgar can hang with Sherk’s Wrestling, boxing, strength, speed, stamina, etc..
Will go to a decision, but hopefully another Fight of the Night!
BJ is the ONLY person who can beat Sherk at LW.
Being he is my 2nd favorite fighter at LW it was hard to watch him get destroyed by Penn, LOL
WAR Sherk, Penn, GSP, Franklin, Tito, and Wandy!!!
by SoCalStunNa on Jan 21, 2009 12:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I could definetly see the answer taking this one if he could find a way to finish. Possibly a submission. However I do agree with most of you, Edgar is a beast in at 155 but could absolutely be a contender at 145. I’ve always thought so.
by oddchild on Jan 21, 2009 2:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
looks like great fight.
well tyson was able to stuff most takedowns, and frankies wrestling is better so if he sprawls and brawls he might have chance, but only if, looked like hermes was catching him in standup, so he has to work on that, and for sherk to outstrike griffin says alot.
but yea pulling for edgar tho i see unanimous for sherk
by phenomenal angel on Jan 21, 2009 2:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Of course he was guilty, people that pee in a bottle and get busted are guilty. This stuff does not mysteriously appear inside your body, I hate Sean Sherk he has been busted twice in the UFC and is a proven cheater, he should be thrown out of MMA. Whoever said they dont care and are sure no one else does is crazy. Sherk used to go through tough guys because of the roids, then he fought BJ clean and got the shit kicked out of him. He is a monster on roids and a pussy off of roids. Its funny how guys get busted and then say “thats wrong not me” just admitt it and move on like Hermes, Leban etc. YOUR BUSTED DONT INSULT EVERYONES INTELLIGENCE BY SAYING “WASNT ME”.
by Spyder on Jan 21, 2009 10:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
When was he busted the first time?
He tested positive for nandrolone, but his levels were only very slightly above normal. Most guys that use it are way above his levels. I’m not saying that he didn’t do it, I’m just saying theres a possibility that the tests were screwed up.
Anyway, roids or not, Sherk has never been a monster. He is king of the decision win, except when fighting guys who actually have talent like GSP and BJ. He went to decision against Hughes(who he lost to), KenFlo(who would probably beat him now), Franca (who has no cardio), Griffin, and Nick Diaz. Every stoppage he has ever had has been against a complete nobody, except one over Karo back in 2001, when Karo was friggin 19. Sherk sucks and should go away.
by --utaptout--..."The Prodigy's" 4th Biggest Hugger on Jan 21, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Whats sad about this fight is I love Frankie Edgar tons of energy unrelenting pace he is a great fighter but he is going to mashed by a puffed up juice monkey that would probably lose to Edgar clean. I hate Sherk and Tito more than anyone in MMA geezuz just take your syringe and go away already.
by Spyder on Jan 21, 2009 10:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
This one has a UD written all over it. Why is it that all the pure wrestlers in the smaller weight classes can’t finish a friggin fight?
by --utaptout--..."The Prodigy's" 4th Biggest Hugger on Jan 21, 2009 11:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s Newton’s Second Law of Motion that indicates that force equals mass times acceleration. If these guys are only 155 pounds, I’m not sure if they have the mass behind their punches to produce enough force to knock someone out. And with generally shorter appendages than those who are taller, they may not be getting the same acceleration either. And simply because they’re smaller, their bodies aren’t physiologically too dissimilar to a larger fighter. IE – They’re not more prone to being knocked out for the reason alone that they are smaller. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen but may be a reason as to why these guys HAMMER on each other and don’t get a K.O.
by Dugout on Jan 21, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It only takes 10 pounds of pressure to KO an average person if hit DIRECTLY on the button. The Jaw goes back, hits the nerve and your out.
by SoCalStunNa on Jan 21, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or maybe its because as wrestlers, they refuse to posture up and create a little space so they can get more wind up on their ground and pound.
by --utaptout--..."The Prodigy's" 4th Biggest Hugger on Jan 21, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sherk take this. nobody 5’7 or shorter can take him. however, when someone has a reach advantage on sherk it turns him into a more one dimensional fighter always needing the takedown.
by COR on Jan 21, 2009 2:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The juicehead is going down!!!! Edgar next 155lb champ!!!!!!!
by pan am champ on Jan 21, 2009 3:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
this is bound to be a brawl either way..both guys are great fighters and have awesome wrestling skills.. i think sherk has more experience and is clearly the favorite but i wouldnt count edgar out.. its ridiculous to say this fight will end up one specific way.. ANYTHING can happen in a fight.. isnt that why we all watch these fights??
by phightphan22 on Apr 29, 2009 9:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Frankie is gonna smash Sherk tonight… with or without his roids. Sherk is a punk. I second the ‘no roids = pussy’ comment.
All hail The Answer… The next 155lb. champ!
by clarion174-05 on May 23, 2009 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ViolentMike… i know fankie. frankie went into this fight knowing that he was gonna win and look what happend. frankies a fucking beast
by goddd on May 24, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i guess all you people who counted edgar out so early are kicking urself now…mayb those roids were a little more important to sherk than everyone thought…frankie picked him apart…5 more seconds and sherk is tapping out from that guillotine at the end! WAR EDGAR!
by phightphan22 on May 29, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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