XME Forums - UFC Champ Frankie Edgar Says Back Injury Sidelined Him, Trying to Avoid Surgery

UFC 130 was hit with a major blow this week when the main event lightweight title bout between champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard was called off due to injuries to both fighters.

Several reports pointed to Edgar’s ribs as the primary factor in his withdrawal, but he spoke with UFC.com on Tuesday, clearing up the situation.

“All of the reports are talking about my ribs, it’s actually my back,” said Edgar. “My back’s been bothering me for quite some time. A few weeks ago I had to take a week off so that my back could calm down and I was trying to fight through it. I got through it and it kept blowing out on me here and there, but then I ended up blowing out a rib last week. My rib kept popping in and out and then last week my back went out on me really bad, so I went to see a doctor and he said I’ve got bulging discs and now I’m going to go see a specialist to see what he can do about it.”

Edgar said that he wanted to try and work through the pain and fight on May 28, but his back injury was so severe that he just couldn’t. He’s not even at 30 percent of his usual health.

“I saw a UFC doctor yesterday and he said my L2 and L5 discs are bulged, and he recommended that I don’t fight right now,” Edgar said. “I can’t even put my socks on or hold my kids, it’s pretty bad right now.”

Edgar wasn’t sure when he would be able to return. He is hoping to avoid surgery, and just be able to us rehab to get his back healthy.

“I’m hoping I can rehab it and get better and get back to training in a month, but I can’t give you any solid answer right now as to how long I’ll be out.”