Fabian Edwards is keenly aware of the high stakes in his first PFL tournament fight, especially after a challenging year for his family.
Since March of last year, both Fabian and his brother Leon Edwards have maintained a 3-0 record in PFL and UFC fights. However, Leon lost his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, and Fabian was unsuccessful in his Bellator title bid against Johnny Eblen in Saudi Arabia. Adding to the family`s struggles, Leon suffered his first UFC stoppage loss last month against Sean Brady at UFC London.
Fabian Edwards Fighting for Family Legacy
Fabian Edwards now has a significant opportunity to defeat Impa Kasanganay, the 2023 PFL champion. He recognizes that his family`s renowned fighting reputation is at stake after a tough year for both him and his brother.
When asked if he was fighting for his family`s legacy, he affirmed, “Definitely. It`s unfortunate it`s against someone like Impa, who seems like a nice guy. But I`m going to strike him with everything I have. Every part of my body will connect with him.”
He added, “I`m going to demonstrate that we are still top contenders, still among the best fighting brothers in the world. We need to prove it… Everything has built up, and it needs to be released. I`m eager to get in there, be free, and perform to my capabilities.”
Potential Rematch with Mike Shipman
In 2019, a notable rivalry in British MMA emerged between Fabian Edwards and Mike Shipman, culminating in a closely contested Bellator fight decided by a split decision in Edwards` favor. Many felt the rivalry remained unresolved.
Fate could set up a rematch in the PFL semi-finals this summer in the USA. Shipman is scheduled to fight Josh Silveira, the 2023 PFL finalist, who is also seeking a rematch against Impa Kasanganay, having lost to him twice before.
“It would be funny, imagine that,” Edwards chuckled. “I’ll beat him. It would be a good fight, but I’d destroy him now. The buildup was fun, I was younger and wilder then.”
“I`m not sure how it would be now because I`m older. But back then, I would have confronted him outside the cage. It was probably nothing serious, but that`s how it was!”
