Experience is an attribute of the highest value in mixed martial arts, and Frankie Edgar has it by the truckload.

There are few fighters on the current UFC roster who can tout the caliber of versatile experience the fighting pride of Toms River has earned, and Edgar's penchant for extraordinary scraps has made him a favorite amongst fans and fighters alike. The New Jersey native has been laying it all on the line against the best in the world for the better part of a decade, but even a career as storied as Edgar's has room for more entries in the scrapbook.

While the former lightweight champion and two-time featherweight title challenger has been there and done most things inside the Octagon, his upcoming bout with Jeremy Stephens at UFC 205 this weekend will break new ground.

Related: Frankie Edgar Wants to Fight at Madison Square Garden

After years of dreaming and campaigning for the cause, Edgar will finally get the chance to fight in New York City at Madison Square Garden.

Having grown up New Jersey in a family that loved boxing, Edgar's affinity for the historic venue was sparked at a young age and has never wavered. From his first fight on New York's underground scene to the all but guaranteed full-throttled action figured to take place this weekend with Stephens, Edgar's arrival to MSG has been nothing short of a dream realized.

"It's coming full circle in going from the basement to the Garden," Edgar said. "It's wild. Being a young kid driving up to the city and headbutting dudes in a fight where I got paid nothing to fighting on the biggest card in UFC history. That's a testament to the hard work and sacrifice that I've put in, my coaches have put in and my family has invested as well. It's go time.

"It's been a long time to get here and it definitely feels like the stage is right for a special night. Everything feels like it's moving in the right direction for myself and my teammates as well, so what better place to do something memorable than the biggest stage in the fight game in New York City?"

And while his fight against the heavy-handed veteran definitely has his full attention, the importance of UFC 205 as a whole hasn't been lost on him.



Jul 6, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Frankie Edgar (red gloves) hits B.J. Penn (blue gloves) during their featherweight bout at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

"It definitely feels like history in the making," Edgar said. "I know what it all means to me, but it I think this is going to be a special night for every fighter on the card. There is a ton of media covering and this event has received a lot of attention. I think everyone involved can feel the significance of this card."

Once the weight of the moment is absorbed on Saturday night, Edgar will be looking to reclaim his momentum in the stacked ranks of the featherweight division. The 35-year-old recently had a five-fight winning streak snapped in a loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 200 back in July and knows a victory over Stephens would serve well to put him back in the hunt for a title shot.

Nevertheless, Edgar is well aware of the power the Iowa native possesses and believes their mutual fighting styles will make for one hell of a show for fight fans.

"I'm respectful to everyone I face for the most part," Edgar said. "If [Stephens] is out there talking I don't know about it, because I'm not paying attention. I'm focused on what I have to do to get the win. I know he's going to bring it, and that's what I've prepared for.

"The reason I got into this sport was to put on a great fights and be remembered. Putting on amazing fights is how you get that done and that's always been my goal. It takes two to do that, and I know we are both going out there to fight.

"When it's all said and done all you have is your character," he added. "To be the same person now I was from day one and being able to put out the right image for my kids is something I'm proud of."