Frankie Edgar before UFC 268: 'I just want to get back to the winning ways'

Frankie Edgar is focused on one thing only, and that’s winning.

The former UFC lightweight champion is determined to put some stability in his career following his quick knockout loss to Cory Sandhagen back in February. Edgar returns this Saturday on the main card of UFC 268 against Marlon Vera in a bantamweight contest.

The 40-year-old knows he didn’t have a great look in his last outing, but he’s motivated that he still has what it takes to hang at 135 pounds.

“I just want to get back to the winning ways,” Edgar said at Wednesday’s UFC 268 media day. “I’m obviously not happy about my last performance. I didn’t even feel like I got to fight. It was a quick, quick knockout, so it’s good to get back in here and prove myself once again.”

Edgar (24-9-1 MMA, 18-9-1 UFC) considers Vera (19-7-1 MMA, 11-6 UFC) to be a tough test. The Ecuadorian fighter is 7-2 in his past nine fights.

“He’s a dangerous guy, and he’s going to come and scrap,” Edgar said. “He’s well rounded. All these young guys are pretty good everywhere, so I’m expecting a good fight.”

Despite being in his 40s and 1-3 in his last four trips to the octagon, Edgar is not entertaining retirement and still holds the title as his goal in the sport.

“I think all fights are fun, but achieving the gold is always the goal, and that’s probably the most fun,” Edgar said. “I think you need to have that pinnacle at the top of your list, and that’s why I got into this sport – to be the best. That’s always been my mindset and, yeah, just enjoying the process as I go.”