UFC: A Place Where Heart has a Different Meaning

Valentine’s Day is a time is for love and showing people how much you care. However, in the UFC, heart isn’t just about love; it is about resilience, grit, and refusal to quit when things get tough. Some fighters walk across the line into the Octagon with not just skill, but an indomitable spirit that keeps them going through the toughest of battles. These warriors may not be throwing roses, but they’ve won the hearts of thousands thanks to their undeniable heart in the cage.  

Frankie Edgar: The Undersized Answer  

We begin with the epitome of UFC fighters who overcame the toughest challenges during their career. Standing at 5’6, Frankie Edgar was perceived as too small to make a career in the lightweight division. However, someone may have forgotten to mention this to Edgar as he took on the reigning champion BJ Penn in 2010 and went on to clinch the lightweight belt via unanimous decision.  

Edgar’s impenetrable mindset was on full display in the second defence of his lightweight title, when he took on Gray Maynard. Edgar was knocked down three times in the first round of the bout and looked on the brink of losing his title. However, Edgar, bearing ‘Fe’ on his shorts – the periodic symbol for iron – overcame this moment and went on to retain his belt via a majority draw decision.  

His relentless pace, toughness, and never-say-die attitude make him a true Valentine’s Day hero just not the chocolate-and-flowers kind. Relive Frankie Edgar’s legendary career with memorabilia from his biggest fights.  

Justin Gaethje: Violence with a Valiant Heart 

If love is about passion, then Justin Gaethje is the man with the UFC cupid’s bow. Gaethje fights like every bout is his last, putting on a show every time he is in the Octagon, and always living up to the name ‘The Highlight’.  

Gaethje’s notorious will power was most evident in his bout with the reigning lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. In the pre-fight Gaethje made it clear that he would not tap in the circumstances of a submission. Fast forward to the fight, and Khabib had the chance to lock in an armbar and end the fight but chose to transition into a rear naked choke.  

During the post-fight press conference Khabib explained to the fans his reasoning for doing so was due to Gaethje’s prior comments, he simply didn’t want to break Gaethje’s arm in front of his family.  

Share the love for Justin Gaethje with exclusive memorabilia and bring ‘The Highlight’ home.

Max Holloway – The Man Who Never Backs Down  

Max Holloway doesn’t just fight with heart; he wears it on his sleeve. From taking on some of the toughest opponents in the game to breaking striking records at the same time, Holloway’s never-say-die attitude has made him a fan favourite.  

His performance against Calvin Kattar showcased his raw desire to fight, as he broke the record for significant strikes landed in a fight with 445 while telling the commentators “I am the best boxer in the UFC,” all while dodging punches thrown from his opponent.  

Max Holloway made it clear to everyone involved in the organisation that his will power in the Octagon was not to be taken lightly. Despite suffering tough losses across his career, “The Blessed One” never backed down from an old school tear up with whoever was stood opposite him.  

Be “Blessed” this Valentine's Day with a piece of history from Max Holloway’s illustrious career. 

Leon Edwards: The Head Kick Heard Around the World  

Leon Edwards' journey to the UFC Welterweight Championship is a story of perseverance, belief, and undeniable heart. In 2015, Leon Edwards was taught a lesson by the soon-to-be welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, with a unanimous decision loss. Leon then took the hard road and went on to win his next nine fights and earn himself a rematch with the then champion. 

In the rematch with Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, Edwards seemed to be blinded by the brightest of lights as he sat on the corner stool 4-0 down in rounds. A “Rocky” movie worthy speech was offered up by his trainer, Dave Lovell, with the now famous line “You’re letting him bully you son”.  

But with just minutes left, Leon’s destiny changed, as he delivered one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history; a perfectly timed head kick that dethroned the dominant champion. The British fighter was crowned the NEW welterweight champion shortly after, and the rest is history. 

Edwards' ability to stay composed and execute under immense pressure is the true mark of a fighter with heart. Take home a piece of this iconic moment today.  

While Valentine’s Day is about love, these warriors have shown a different kind of devotion; the love of the fight, the love of the battle, and the love of pushing themselves to the absolute limit. Celebrate the fighters with the biggest hearts and bring home a piece of UFC history today at UFCCollectibles.com.