Fabian Edwards has won 15 of his 19 professional bouts Britain's Fabian Edwards reached the final of the PFL's middleweight tournament with a unanimous decision win against American Josh Silveira. Edwards landed the more damaging strikes and never looked in trouble in a confident victory at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The 32-year-old will face American Dalton Rosta next and the chance to win £395,000 ($500,000) in prize money. He joins fellow Briton Alfie Davis in the PFL Finals after hiswin against Brent Primuslast week in the lightweight tournament. In the light-heavyweight semi-finals, Britain's Simeon Powell suffered a unanimous decision defeat by Brazil's Antonio Carlos Jr. Edwards faces Rosta on 21 August at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, while Davis fights Russian Gadzhi Rabadanov on 15 August at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Brendan Loughnanewon the PFL featherweight titlein 2022 and fellow Briton Dakota Ditchevawon women's flyweight goldlast year. Edwards landed 79 strikes to Silveira's 41 Edwards is looking to bounce back and win the tournament having twice come up short in title fights against Johnny Eblen in 2023 and 2024. He returned to form, knocking out Impa Kasanganay in the second round in April, and brought that confidence into the contest with Silveira. The pair traded leg kicks in the early stages, with Silveira sweeping Edwards off his feet. Edwards responded, taking control of the stand-up, defending takedown attempts and hurting Silveira with a knee to the body. Roared on by his brother and former UFC welterweight champion Leon at cage-side, Edwards hurt Silveira with a straight left and secured two takedowns of his own. As the fight entered the closing stages with Edwards controlling Silveira on the ground, he gave a thumbs-up to the television cameras, signalling his confidence in victory. Powell, 26, only made his MMA debut four years ago and had won 11 of his 12 professional bouts before facing the biggest test of his career in Carlos Jr. The 35-year-old is a former UFC fighter and won the PFL light-heavyweight tournament in 2021. Carlos Jr started on the front foot, connecting with straight rights and knees and Powell unable to generate much offence in response. Carlos Jr continued to control the action in the second round and, although Powell had a strong finish, landing a number of elbows to a grounded Carlos Jr, it was not enough to convince the judges of victory.
Britain's Edwards reaches PFL middleweight final
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Fabian Edwards Advances to PFL Middleweight Final with Victory Over Josh Silveira"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Fabian Edwards has secured his place in the final of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) middleweight tournament with a decisive unanimous decision victory over American fighter Josh Silveira at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Edwards showcased his striking prowess throughout the match, landing 79 significant strikes compared to Silveira's 41, which underscored his dominance in the bout. The 32-year-old fighter, who has now won 15 of his 19 professional fights, displayed remarkable confidence and control, effectively defending against Silveira's takedown attempts and executing two successful takedowns of his own. The match was characterized by a mix of striking exchanges and grappling, with Edwards particularly hurting Silveira with a knee to the body and a straight left hand. Encouraged by his brother, former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, who was present at cage-side, Fabian maintained his composure throughout the fight, even signaling his confidence to the cameras as he controlled the action in the final rounds.
Looking ahead, Edwards is set to face American Dalton Rosta in the final on August 21 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, with a lucrative prize of £395,000 ($500,000) on the line. This final appearance comes after Edwards' previous attempts at title fights in 2023 and 2024, where he fell short against Johnny Eblen. Meanwhile, fellow Briton Alfie Davis has also advanced to the PFL Finals after his victory over Brent Primus in the lightweight tournament. In contrast, Edwards' compatriot Simeon Powell faced a setback in the light-heavyweight semi-finals, losing to Brazil's Antonio Carlos Jr. The competition continues to heat up as Davis is scheduled to fight Russian Gadzhi Rabadanov on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The PFL has become a platform for fighters like Edwards to demonstrate their skills and potentially secure significant financial rewards, while also adding to the growing presence of British fighters in mixed martial arts on the international stage.
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