Fabian Edwards: Difference between revisions
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| rank = Black belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CtM74J-N73J/</ref> |
| rank = Black belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CtM74J-N73J/ | title=Instagram }}</ref> |
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| fighting_out_of = [[Erdington|Erdington, Birmingham]], England |
| fighting_out_of = [[Erdington|Erdington, Birmingham]], England |
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| team = [[Team Renegade BJJ & MMA]] (2015–present) <br /> Ultimate Training Centre (2010–2015) |
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'''Fabian Edwards''' (born 24 March 1993) is |
'''Fabian Edwards''' (born 24 March 1993) is an English professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who competes in the [[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]] division of [[Bellator MMA]]. He is the younger brother of [[Leon Edwards]], the former UFC Welterweight champion. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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Edwards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he and his family shared a single bed, one room, and a wooden house. They were living in squalor without realising it. Edwards' father was the boss of a neighbourhood gang, going by the name "The General." Edwards became desensitised to gun violence since it occurred so frequently in his neighbourhood where gang and criminal activity were rife.<ref>{{Cite news |title=His father's murder pushed him into gang crime - UFC was the escape |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/62564038 |access-date=2022-10-29}}</ref> Gunshots were commonplace. When Edwards was seven years old, his parents divorced, and his father was already residing in London while continuing to provide for the family financially from afar. They relocated to England to be closer to him, first to London and then to Aston, Birmingham. There were gangs there as well, and until they discovered MMA and formed Team Renegade, they spent their time blending in.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Gareth A. |date=2020-09-25 |title=Bellator Milan: Fabian Edwards reflects on rise from poverty in Kingston Jamaica to life-changing cage fights |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/mma/2020/09/25/bellator-milan-fabian-edwards-reflects-rise-poverty-kingston/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-13 |title=Edwards brothers, Leon and Fabian, are the most exciting siblings in MMA Diaz bros |url=https://talksport.com/sport/mma/848411/leon-fabian-edwards-british-diaz-brothers-ufc/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-US}}</ref> Fabian started MMA five to six years after |
Edwards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he and his family shared a single bed, one room, and a wooden house. They were living in squalor without realising it. Edwards's father was the boss of a neighbourhood gang, going by the name "The General." Edwards became desensitised to gun violence since it occurred so frequently in his neighbourhood where gang and criminal activity were rife.<ref>{{Cite news |title=His father's murder pushed him into gang crime - UFC was the escape |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/62564038 |access-date=2022-10-29}}</ref> Gunshots were commonplace. When Edwards was seven years old, his parents divorced, and his father was already residing in London while continuing to provide for the family financially from afar. They relocated to England to be closer to him, first to London and then to Aston, Birmingham. There were gangs there as well, and until they discovered MMA and formed Team Renegade, they spent their time blending in.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Gareth A. |date=2020-09-25 |title=Bellator Milan: Fabian Edwards reflects on rise from poverty in Kingston Jamaica to life-changing cage fights |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/mma/2020/09/25/bellator-milan-fabian-edwards-reflects-rise-poverty-kingston/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-13 |title=Edwards brothers, Leon and Fabian, are the most exciting siblings in MMA Diaz bros |url=https://talksport.com/sport/mma/848411/leon-fabian-edwards-british-diaz-brothers-ufc/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-US}}</ref> Fabian started MMA five to six years after Leon, at the age of 16, due to the insistence of his brother.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2019-11-04 |title=Bellator's Fabian Edwards on chasing gold alongside UFC brother Leon: 'It's so special' |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/bellator-fabian-edwards-chasing-gold-ufc-brother-leon-edwards |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shinbt |first=Jagroop |date=2018-03-07 |title=Rocky and the Assassin, the Birmingham brothers looking to dominate MMA |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/a8cbae10-82c2-4f9c-83af-72eb32a6e946 |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=BBC Three |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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When Edwards was eleven, his father was shot dead in a London nightclub.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2019-07-17 |title=Leon Edwards: MMA saved me from being 'dead, in prison or dead broke' |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27208469/mma-saved-being-dead-prison-dead-broke |access-date=2020-12-23 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> |
When Edwards was eleven, his father was shot dead in a London nightclub.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2019-07-17 |title=Leon Edwards: MMA saved me from being 'dead, in prison or dead broke' |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27208469/mma-saved-being-dead-prison-dead-broke |access-date=2020-12-23 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Early career === |
=== Early career === |
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Prior to going pro, he had a 9–0 record as an amateur. He rose up the ranks by working as a janitor and a carpenter. He |
Prior to going pro, he had a 9–0 record as an amateur. He rose up the ranks by working as a janitor and a carpenter. He did not leave his janitorial position until after signing his first deal with Bellator, at which point he believed his MMA career was already well started. The younger Edwards alternated between a day job and a fighting career for many years, working both jobs to exhaustion. But someday, he assured them, "I'd be making enough money not to do that. I simply persisted, and it sort of paid off.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Peter |date=2019-02-12 |title='The come up is hard': Fabian Edwards recalls working as a janitor before Bellator signing |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/2/12/18221600/the-come-up-is-hard-fabian-edwards-recalls-working-as-a-janitor-before-bellator-signing |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marrocco |first=Steven |date=2022-10-28 |title=Fabian Edwards 'probably' will fight out Bellator contract, vows to join brother Leon with title |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/10/28/23423831/fabian-edwards-probably-will-fight-out-bellator-contract-vows-to-join-brother-leon-with-title |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> |
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Before joining the British organisation [[BAMMA]], he made his professional MMA debut with Bellator on 19 May 2017 against Rafał Cejrowski, |
Before joining the British organisation [[BAMMA]], he made his professional MMA debut with Bellator on 19 May 2017 against Rafał Cejrowski, winning by flying knee knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-19 |title=Video: Fabian Edwards scores brutal flying knee KO at Bellator 179 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/5/19/15668528/fabian-edwards-scores-brutal-flying-knee-ko-at-bellator-179 |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> He reeled off five straight stoppages under the BAMMA promotion to start off his career in style.<ref name=":1" /> Starting with Aaron Kennedy via rear-naked choke at [[List of BAMMA events#BAMMA 30: Walsh vs. Philpott|BAMMA 30]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=BAMMA 30 Results: Philpott vs. Walsh Ends in No-Contest Due to Illegal Kick |url=https://combatpress.com/2017/07/bamma-30-results-philpott-vs-walsh-ends-in-no-contest-due-to-illegal-kick/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Combat Press |language=en-US}}</ref> Louis King via rear-naked choke at [[List of BAMMA events#BAMMA 33: Scope vs. Lebout|BAMMA 33]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Peter |date=2017-12-15 |title=BAMMA 33 results: Ryan Scope claims lightweight title, Aaron Chalmers calls out Baby Slice |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/12/15/16783312/bamma-33-results-ryan-scope-claims-lightweight-title-aaron-chalmers-calls-out-baby-slice |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> Kent Kauppinen via armbar at [[List of BAMMA events#BAMMA 34: Lohore vs. Brazier|BAMMA 34]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Peter |date=2018-03-09 |title=BAMMA 34 results: Terry Brazier dethrones Alex Lohore, Rhys McKee claims lightweight title |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/3/9/17102498/bamma-34-results-terry-brazier-dethrones-alex-lohore-rhys-mckee-claims-lightweight-title |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> and finally Claudio Conti via body kick TKO at [[List of BAMMA events#BAMMA 35: Lohore vs. Pascu|BAMMA 35]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Peter |date=2018-05-12 |title=BAMMA 35 results: Ion Pascu, Kiefer Crosbie and Fabian Edwards score big wins in Dublin |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/12/17348426/bamma-35-results-ion-pascu-kiefer-crosbie-and-fabian-edwards-score-big-wins-in-dublin |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Bellator MMA=== |
===Bellator MMA=== |
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Edwards faced Mike Shipman on 23 November 2019 at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator London 2|Bellator London 2]], defeating him in a close bout via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2019-11-23 |title=Bellator London Results: Fabian Edwards Earns Close Decision Against Michael Shipman |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/23/bellator-london-results-fabian-edwards-vs-michael-shipman/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
Edwards faced Mike Shipman on 23 November 2019 at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator London 2|Bellator London 2]], defeating him in a close bout via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2019-11-23 |title=Bellator London Results: Fabian Edwards Earns Close Decision Against Michael Shipman |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/23/bellator-london-results-fabian-edwards-vs-michael-shipman/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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After initially being booked against Costello Van Steenis for 16 May 2020 at [[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator London 3 (Cancelled)|Bellator London 3]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibbons |first=Justin |date=2020-02-28 |title=Edwards vs. Van Steenis Co-Main Event Added to Bellator: London |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/28/co-main-event-added-to-bellator-london-edwards-vs-van-steenis/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> the event was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bellator postpones three MMA events in May due to the coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-postpones-three-mma-events-in-may-due-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website= |
After initially being booked against Costello Van Steenis for 16 May 2020 at [[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator London 3 (Cancelled)|Bellator London 3]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibbons |first=Justin |date=2020-02-28 |title=Edwards vs. Van Steenis Co-Main Event Added to Bellator: London |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/28/co-main-event-added-to-bellator-london-edwards-vs-van-steenis/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> the event was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bellator postpones three MMA events in May due to the coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-postpones-three-mma-events-in-may-due-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=CBS Sports |date=31 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The bout was rebooked for 26 September 2020 at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator Milan 2|Bellator Milan 2]], where Fabian lost his first bout in his career via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2020-09-26 |title=Bellator Europe 8 results: Costello van Steenis gives Fabian Edwards first MMA loss in Milan |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/9/26/21457764/bellator-europe-8-costello-van-steenis-fabian-edwards-first-mma-loss-milan |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> |
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Edwards faced [[Austin Vanderford]] on 21 May 2021 at [[Bellator 259]], losing the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-22 |title=Bellator 259 results: Austin Vanderford suffers nasty gash in decision win vs. Fabian Edwards |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/bellator-259-results-austin-vanderford-bloodied-elbow-unanimous-decision-vs-fabian-edwards |access-date=2022-02-21 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> |
Edwards faced [[Austin Vanderford]] on 21 May 2021 at [[Bellator 259]], losing the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-22 |title=Bellator 259 results: Austin Vanderford suffers nasty gash in decision win vs. Fabian Edwards |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/bellator-259-results-austin-vanderford-bloodied-elbow-unanimous-decision-vs-fabian-edwards |access-date=2022-02-21 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards, as a replacement for Norbert Novenyi, was |
Edwards, as a replacement for Norbert Novenyi, was scheduled to face [[Charlie Ward (fighter)|Charlie Ward]] at [[Bellator 270]] on 5 November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=With Norbert Novenyi Jr. out, Fabian Edwards steps in to face Charlie Ward at Bellator 270 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/10/bellator-270-norbert-novenyi-jr-out-fabian-edwards-to-fight-charlie-ward |access-date=2021-10-26 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> Ward had to pull out however due to a ruptured bicep and was replaced by promotional newcomer Robert Fonseca.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Andy |last=Stevenson |date=2021-10-28 |title=Fabian Edwards vs Robert Fonseca Set for Bellator 270 in Dublin |url=https://mymmanews.com/fabian-edwards-vs-robert-fonseca-set-for-bellator-270-in-dublin/ |access-date=2021-10-28 |website=MyMMANews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Fonseca couldn't get paperwork sorted in time and the bout was scratched, with no replacement sought.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2021-11-03 |title=Fabian Edwards vs. Robert Fonseca Off Bellator 270 Card |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/11/03/fabian-edwards-vs-robert-fonseca-off-bellator-270-card/ |access-date=2021-11-03 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards was scheduled to face Marian Dimitrov at [[Bellator 275]] on 25 February 2022. However, the bout was scrapped a week before for unknown reason.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Andy |last=Stevenson |date=2022-02-15 |title=Fabian Edwards vs Marian Dimitrov Cancelled from Bellator 275 Dublin Card |url=https://mymmanews.com/fabian-edwards-vs-marian-dimitrov-cancelled-from-bellator-275-dublin-card/ |access-date=2022-02-15 |website=MyMMANews |language=en-US}}</ref> Edwards was rebooked against [[Lyoto Machida]] at [[Bellator London]].<ref name="mmajunkie.usatoday.com">{{Cite web |date=2022-02-16 |title=Lyoto Machida vs. Fabian Edwards joins Bellator London lineup on May 13 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/bellator-london-lyoto-machida-vs-fabian-edwards-booked-may-13 |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> |
Edwards was scheduled to face Marian Dimitrov at [[Bellator 275]] on 25 February 2022. However, the bout was scrapped a week before for unknown reason.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Andy |last=Stevenson |date=2022-02-15 |title=Fabian Edwards vs Marian Dimitrov Cancelled from Bellator 275 Dublin Card |url=https://mymmanews.com/fabian-edwards-vs-marian-dimitrov-cancelled-from-bellator-275-dublin-card/ |access-date=2022-02-15 |website=MyMMANews |language=en-US}}</ref> Edwards was rebooked against [[Lyoto Machida]] at [[Bellator London]].<ref name="mmajunkie.usatoday.com">{{Cite web |date=2022-02-16 |title=Lyoto Machida vs. Fabian Edwards joins Bellator London lineup on May 13 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/bellator-london-lyoto-machida-vs-fabian-edwards-booked-may-13 |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards faced [[Charlie Ward (fighter)|Charlie Ward]] on 29 October 2022 at [[Bellator 287]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Adam Piccolotti vs. Mansour Barnaoui headlines Bellator 287 in Milan, Italy |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/08/bellator-287-milan-italy-adam-piccolotti-vs-mansour-barnaoui-main-event-mma-announcement-matchup-booking |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> He won the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Battison |first=Paul |title=Edwards outclasses Ward at Bellator 287 in Milan |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/63442045 |access-date=2022-10-30}}</ref> |
Edwards faced [[Charlie Ward (fighter)|Charlie Ward]] on 29 October 2022 at [[Bellator 287]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Adam Piccolotti vs. Mansour Barnaoui headlines Bellator 287 in Milan, Italy |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/08/bellator-287-milan-italy-adam-piccolotti-vs-mansour-barnaoui-main-event-mma-announcement-matchup-booking |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> He won the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Battison |first=Paul |title=Edwards outclasses Ward at Bellator 287 in Milan |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/63442045 |access-date=2022-10-30}}</ref> |
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Edwards faced [[Gegard Mousasi]] in a [[Bellator Middleweight Championship|Bellator Middleweight]] title eliminator fight on 12 May 2023, at [[Bellator 296]].<ref>{{Cite |
Edwards faced [[Gegard Mousasi]] in a [[Bellator Middleweight Championship|Bellator Middleweight]] title eliminator fight on 12 May 2023, at [[Bellator 296]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/64186658|title=Bellator Paris: Fabian Edwards to fight Gegard Mousasi in May middleweight title eliminator|work=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-12}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bellator 296: Fabian Edwards secures middleweight title shot with win over Gegard Mousasi in Paris |url=https://www.skysports.com/mma/news/29876/12879624/bellator-296-fabian-edwards-secures-middleweight-title-shot-with-win-over-gegard-mousasi-in-paris |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-05-12 |title=Bellator 296: Fabian Edwards Out-Strikes Gegard Mousasi, Title Fight Looms |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/05/12/bellator-296-gegard-mousasi-vs-fabian-edwards/ |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards faced [[Johnny Eblen]] for the [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Middleweight World Championship|Bellator Middleweight Championship]] on |
Edwards faced [[Johnny Eblen]] for the [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Middleweight World Championship|Bellator Middleweight Championship]] on 23 September 2023, at [[Bellator 299]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Edwards beats Mousasi to set up Bellator title shot |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/65578527 |access-date=2023-05-13}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the third round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-09-23 |title=Bellator 299: Johnny Eblen Defends Middleweight Belt by Knocking Fabian Edwards Out Cold |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/09/23/bellator-299-johnny-eblen-defends-belt-by-knocking-fabian-edwards-out-cold/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards faced Aaron Jeffery on 22 March 2024, at [[Bellator Champions Series 1]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calhoun |first=Curtis |date=2024-02-08 |title=Report: Fabian Edwards' Return In The Works For March 22 Bellator Card Against Top 5 Middleweight |url=https://www.mmanews.com/news/fabian-edwards-added-march-22-bellator-card |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=MMA News {{!}} UFC News, Results & Interviews |language=en-us}}</ref> In a bout filled with lots of clinching against the fence, Edwards came out with a unanimous decision victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-03-22 |title=Bellator Belfast: Fabian Edwards Wins Grindfest Over Aaron Jeffery in Middleweight Title Eliminator |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/22/bellator-belfast-fabian-edwards-wins-grindfest-over-aaron-jeffery-in-middleweight-title-eliminator/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Edwards was scheduled to rematch [[Johnny Eblen]] for the [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Middleweight World Championship|Bellator Middleweight Championship]] on 14 September 2024, at [[Bellator Champions Series 5]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-18 |title=Briton Edwards gets Bellator title fight in London |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c800nee000jo |access-date=2024-06-18 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> On September 3, the bout was rescheduled for a later date with no reason given.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Bellator Champions Series: London loses Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards title-fight headliner |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/09/bellator-champion-series-london-johnny-eblen-vs-fabian-edwards-canceled |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> The bout was rebooked to take place on 19 October 2024 at [[PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/9/17/24247299/pfl-johnny-eblen-fabian-edwards-added-pfl-battle-of-giants-ppv-riyadh-espn-dazn-ngannou-cyborg-mma|title=Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards 2 added to PFL’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ PPV event on Oct. 19|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Adam Guillen|date=2024-09-17|access-date=2024-09-17}}</ref> Edwards lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/19/johnny-eblen-defeats-fabian-edwards-a-second-time-defends-bellator-belt-at-pfl-battle-of-the-giants/|title=Johnny Eblen Defeats Fabian Edwards A Second Time, Defends Bellator Belt at PFL Battle of the Giants|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Brett Gable|date=2024-10-19|access-date=2024-10-19}}</ref> |
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==Mixed martial arts record== |
==Mixed martial arts record== |
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| ko-wins= 4 |
| ko-wins= 4 |
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| sub-wins= 3 |
| sub-wins= 3 |
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| dec-wins= |
| dec-wins= 6 |
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| ko-losses= 1 |
| ko-losses= 1 |
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| sub-losses= |
| sub-losses= |
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| dec-losses= |
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Latest revision as of 15:37, 18 November 2024
Fabian Edwards | |
---|---|
Born | Kingston, Jamaica | 24 March 1993
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) |
Division | Middleweight |
Reach | 79+1⁄2 in (202 cm) |
Fighting out of | Erdington, Birmingham, England |
Team | Team Renegade BJJ & MMA (2015–present) Ultimate Training Centre (2010–2015) |
Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1] |
Years active | 2017–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 17 |
Wins | 13 |
By knockout | 4 |
By submission | 3 |
By decision | 6 |
Losses | 4 |
By knockout | 1 |
By decision | 3 |
Notable relatives | Leon Edwards (brother) |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Fabian Edwards (born 24 March 1993) is an English professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division of Bellator MMA. He is the younger brother of Leon Edwards, the former UFC Welterweight champion.
Background
[edit]Edwards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he and his family shared a single bed, one room, and a wooden house. They were living in squalor without realising it. Edwards's father was the boss of a neighbourhood gang, going by the name "The General." Edwards became desensitised to gun violence since it occurred so frequently in his neighbourhood where gang and criminal activity were rife.[2] Gunshots were commonplace. When Edwards was seven years old, his parents divorced, and his father was already residing in London while continuing to provide for the family financially from afar. They relocated to England to be closer to him, first to London and then to Aston, Birmingham. There were gangs there as well, and until they discovered MMA and formed Team Renegade, they spent their time blending in.[3][4] Fabian started MMA five to six years after Leon, at the age of 16, due to the insistence of his brother.[5][6]
When Edwards was eleven, his father was shot dead in a London nightclub.[7]
Mixed martial arts career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Prior to going pro, he had a 9–0 record as an amateur. He rose up the ranks by working as a janitor and a carpenter. He did not leave his janitorial position until after signing his first deal with Bellator, at which point he believed his MMA career was already well started. The younger Edwards alternated between a day job and a fighting career for many years, working both jobs to exhaustion. But someday, he assured them, "I'd be making enough money not to do that. I simply persisted, and it sort of paid off.[8][9]
Before joining the British organisation BAMMA, he made his professional MMA debut with Bellator on 19 May 2017 against Rafał Cejrowski, winning by flying knee knockout in the first round.[10] He reeled off five straight stoppages under the BAMMA promotion to start off his career in style.[5] Starting with Aaron Kennedy via rear-naked choke at BAMMA 30,[11] Louis King via rear-naked choke at BAMMA 33,[12] Kent Kauppinen via armbar at BAMMA 34,[13] and finally Claudio Conti via body kick TKO at BAMMA 35.[14]
Bellator MMA
[edit]After his highlight flying knee knockout, Edwards signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator.[15]
Edwards faced Lee Chadwick on 9 February 2019 at Bellator Newcastle, defeating the experienced veteran via unanimous decision.[16]
Debuting in his hometown for the first time, Edwards faced Falco Neto on 4 May 2019 at Bellator Birmingham, defeating Neto in highlight fashion, landing multiple upkicks on Neto that knocked him down, afterwards being finished by Edwards on the ground.[17] Neto later tested positive for metabolites of methyltestosterone and nandrolone and was handed down a six-month suspension.[18]
After the win, Edwards signed a new deal with Bellator and in his first bout of the deal faced Jonathan Bosuku on 22 June 2019 at Bellator 223.[19] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[20]
Edwards faced Mike Shipman on 23 November 2019 at Bellator London 2, defeating him in a close bout via split decision.[21]
After initially being booked against Costello Van Steenis for 16 May 2020 at Bellator London 3,[22] the event was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.[23] The bout was rebooked for 26 September 2020 at Bellator Milan 2, where Fabian lost his first bout in his career via split decision.[24]
Edwards faced Austin Vanderford on 21 May 2021 at Bellator 259, losing the bout via unanimous decision.[25]
Edwards, as a replacement for Norbert Novenyi, was scheduled to face Charlie Ward at Bellator 270 on 5 November 2021.[26] Ward had to pull out however due to a ruptured bicep and was replaced by promotional newcomer Robert Fonseca.[27] Fonseca couldn't get paperwork sorted in time and the bout was scratched, with no replacement sought.[28]
Edwards was scheduled to face Marian Dimitrov at Bellator 275 on 25 February 2022. However, the bout was scrapped a week before for unknown reason.[29] Edwards was rebooked against Lyoto Machida at Bellator London.[30]
Edwards faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida on 13 May 2022 at Bellator 281.[30] He won the fight via knockout in the first round, catching Machida with an elbow after breaking from a clinch.[31]
Edwards faced Charlie Ward on 29 October 2022 at Bellator 287.[32] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[33]
Edwards faced Gegard Mousasi in a Bellator Middleweight title eliminator fight on 12 May 2023, at Bellator 296.[34] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[35][36]
Edwards faced Johnny Eblen for the Bellator Middleweight Championship on 23 September 2023, at Bellator 299.[37] He lost the fight via knockout in the third round.[38]
Edwards faced Aaron Jeffery on 22 March 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 1.[39] In a bout filled with lots of clinching against the fence, Edwards came out with a unanimous decision victory.[40]
Edwards was scheduled to rematch Johnny Eblen for the Bellator Middleweight Championship on 14 September 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 5.[41] On September 3, the bout was rescheduled for a later date with no reason given.[42] The bout was rebooked to take place on 19 October 2024 at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants.[43] Edwards lost the fight by unanimous decision.[44]
Mixed martial arts record
[edit]17 matches | 13 wins | 4 losses |
By knockout | 4 | 1 |
By submission | 3 | 0 |
By decision | 6 | 3 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 13–4 | Johnny Eblen | Decision (unanimous) | PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants | October 19, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | For the Bellator Middleweight World Championship. |
Win | 13–3 | Aaron Jeffery | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator Champions Series 1 | 22 March 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Bellator Middleweight title eliminator. |
Loss | 12–3 | Johnny Eblen | KO (punches) | Bellator 299 | 23 September 2023 | 3 | 0:21 | Dublin, Ireland | For the Bellator Middleweight World Championship. |
Win | 12–2 | Gegard Mousasi | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 296 | 12 May 2023 | 5 | 5:00 | Paris, France | Bellator Middleweight title eliminator. |
Win | 11–2 | Charlie Ward | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 287 | 29 October 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Milan, Italy | |
Win | 10–2 | Lyoto Machida | KO (elbow and punches) | Bellator 281 | 13 May 2022 | 1 | 3:18 | London, England | |
Loss | 9–2 | Austin Vanderford | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 259 | 21 May 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
Loss | 9–1 | Costello van Steenis | Decision (split) | Bellator Milan 2 | 26 September 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Milan, Italy | |
Win | 9–0 | Mike Shipman | Decision (split) | Bellator London 2 | 23 November 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | London, England | |
Win | 8–0 | Jonathan Bosuku | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 223 | 22 June 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | London, England | |
Win | 7–0 | Falco Neto | TKO (upkicks and punches) | Bellator Birmingham | 4 May 2019 | 1 | 3:51 | Birmingham, England | |
Win | 6–0 | Lee Chadwick | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator Newcastle | 9 February 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Newcastle, England | |
Win | 5–0 | Claudio Conti | TKO (body kick) | BAMMA 35 | 12 May 2018 | 1 | 1:00 | Dublin, Ireland | |
Win | 4–0 | Kent Kauppinen | Submission (armbar) | BAMMA 34 | 18 March 2018 | 1 | 4:52 | London, England | |
Win | 3–0 | Louis King | Submission (rear-naked choke) | BAMMA 33 | 15 December 2017 | 1 | 1:15 | Newcastle, England | |
Win | 2–0 | Aaron Kennedy | Submission (rear-naked choke) | BAMMA 30 | 7 July 2017 | 2 | 0:44 | Dublin, Ireland | |
Win | 1–0 | Rafał Cejrowski | KO (flying knee) | Bellator 179 | 19 May 2017 | 1 | 3:44 | London, England | Middleweight debut. |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Instagram".
- ^ "His father's murder pushed him into gang crime - UFC was the escape". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Davies, Gareth A. (2020-09-25). "Bellator Milan: Fabian Edwards reflects on rise from poverty in Kingston Jamaica to life-changing cage fights". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Edwards brothers, Leon and Fabian, are the most exciting siblings in MMA Diaz bros". talkSPORT. 2021-03-13. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ a b "Bellator's Fabian Edwards on chasing gold alongside UFC brother Leon: 'It's so special'". MMA Junkie. 2019-11-04. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Shinbt, Jagroop (2018-03-07). "Rocky and the Assassin, the Birmingham brothers looking to dominate MMA". BBC Three. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Leon Edwards: MMA saved me from being 'dead, in prison or dead broke'". ESPN.com. 2019-07-17. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2019-02-12). "'The come up is hard': Fabian Edwards recalls working as a janitor before Bellator signing". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Marrocco, Steven (2022-10-28). "Fabian Edwards 'probably' will fight out Bellator contract, vows to join brother Leon with title". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Video: Fabian Edwards scores brutal flying knee KO at Bellator 179". MMA Fighting. 2017-05-19. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "BAMMA 30 Results: Philpott vs. Walsh Ends in No-Contest Due to Illegal Kick". Combat Press. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2017-12-15). "BAMMA 33 results: Ryan Scope claims lightweight title, Aaron Chalmers calls out Baby Slice". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2018-03-09). "BAMMA 34 results: Terry Brazier dethrones Alex Lohore, Rhys McKee claims lightweight title". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2018-05-12). "BAMMA 35 results: Ion Pascu, Kiefer Crosbie and Fabian Edwards score big wins in Dublin". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Edwards, Jim (2018-10-14). "Undefeated British Middleweight Talent Fabian Edwards Signs For Bellator MMA". MMAnytt.com. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Smith, Ben (2019-02-09). "Bellator Newcastle Results: Fabian Edwards Impresses vs. Veteran Chadwick". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Lagdon, Scott (2020-05-29). "Euro Fight Flashback: Fabian Edwards' upkicks lead to KO at Bellator Birmingham". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2019-05-16). "Bellator Birmingham co-headliner Falco Neto receives six-month suspension for failed drug test". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2019-05-21). "Fabian Edwards signs new contract, faces Jonathan Bosuku at Bellator London". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Doherty, Dan (2019-06-22). "Bellator 223 Results: Fabian Edwards Has Clean Performance Against Jonathan Bosuku". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-11-23). "Bellator London Results: Fabian Edwards Earns Close Decision Against Michael Shipman". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Gibbons, Justin (2020-02-28). "Edwards vs. Van Steenis Co-Main Event Added to Bellator: London". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Bellator postpones three MMA events in May due to the coronavirus pandemic". CBS Sports. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2020-09-26). "Bellator Europe 8 results: Costello van Steenis gives Fabian Edwards first MMA loss in Milan". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Bellator 259 results: Austin Vanderford suffers nasty gash in decision win vs. Fabian Edwards". MMA Junkie. 2021-05-22. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
- ^ "With Norbert Novenyi Jr. out, Fabian Edwards steps in to face Charlie Ward at Bellator 270". MMA Junkie. 2021-10-26. Retrieved 2021-10-26.
- ^ Stevenson, Andy (2021-10-28). "Fabian Edwards vs Robert Fonseca Set for Bellator 270 in Dublin". MyMMANews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-11-03). "Fabian Edwards vs. Robert Fonseca Off Bellator 270 Card". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
- ^ Stevenson, Andy (2022-02-15). "Fabian Edwards vs Marian Dimitrov Cancelled from Bellator 275 Dublin Card". MyMMANews. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
- ^ a b "Lyoto Machida vs. Fabian Edwards joins Bellator London lineup on May 13". MMA Junkie. 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-05-13). "Bellator 281: Fabian Edwards Spoils Lyoto Machida's Middleweight Return, Secures KO Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
- ^ "Adam Piccolotti vs. Mansour Barnaoui headlines Bellator 287 in Milan, Italy". MMA Junkie. 2022-08-10. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
- ^ Battison, Paul. "Edwards outclasses Ward at Bellator 287 in Milan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
- ^ "Bellator Paris: Fabian Edwards to fight Gegard Mousasi in May middleweight title eliminator". BBC Sport. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
- ^ "Bellator 296: Fabian Edwards secures middleweight title shot with win over Gegard Mousasi in Paris". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-05-12). "Bellator 296: Fabian Edwards Out-Strikes Gegard Mousasi, Title Fight Looms". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ "Edwards beats Mousasi to set up Bellator title shot". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2023-09-23). "Bellator 299: Johnny Eblen Defends Middleweight Belt by Knocking Fabian Edwards Out Cold". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- ^ Calhoun, Curtis (2024-02-08). "Report: Fabian Edwards' Return In The Works For March 22 Bellator Card Against Top 5 Middleweight". MMA News | UFC News, Results & Interviews. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2024-03-22). "Bellator Belfast: Fabian Edwards Wins Grindfest Over Aaron Jeffery in Middleweight Title Eliminator". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Briton Edwards gets Bellator title fight in London". BBC Sport. 2024-06-18. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Bellator Champions Series: London loses Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards title-fight headliner". MMA Junkie. 2024-09-03. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ Adam Guillen (2024-09-17). "Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards 2 added to PFL's 'Battle of the Giants' PPV event on Oct. 19". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
- ^ Brett Gable (2024-10-19). "Johnny Eblen Defeats Fabian Edwards A Second Time, Defends Bellator Belt at PFL Battle of the Giants". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ "Fabian Edwards". Sherdog.
External links
[edit]- 1993 births
- Living people
- English male mixed martial artists
- Jamaican male mixed martial artists
- Middleweight mixed martial artists
- Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Bellator male fighters
- English practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Jamaican practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- 21st-century English sportsmen