Fabian Edwards has only faced defeat twice in the last four years, with both losses occurring in title fights against Johnny Eblen in Bellator and PFL. Coincidentally, Josh Silveira, who is set to face Edwards in a tournament semifinal this Friday at PFL 7, previously played the role of Edwards during Eblen`s training camps at American Top Team in Florida.
Silveira explained to MMA Fighting, “I was him in training for Johnny because I’m also a southpaw. I understand his style, I’ve already studied him a lot.” He added that he welcomes Edwards potentially underestimating him: “If he thinks it’s going to be easy, that’s good for me. I love that. I know I’m not an easy fight and I know I’ll be ready to battle.”
Despite having mimicked Edwards for training purposes, Silveira believes their actual fighting styles are quite different.
Silveira found it “hard to imitate him because he doesn’t like to do takedowns, he doesn’t like putting pressure.” In contrast, Silveira sees himself as a pressure fighter. For Eblen`s camps, he primarily focused on imitating Edwards` kicks, noting that Edwards “likes to score points, and only once in a while he ends fights,” but doesn`t typically pursue takedowns or back control. Having reviewed extensive footage, Silveira stated, “I’ve seen plenty of tape of him. He’s talented, but I know the path to beat him.”
Silveira mentioned that the undefeated Eblen provided valuable advice during his preparation, and watching Eblen`s contests against Edwards showed him that Edwards “gave him a great fight, so I have to respect him.”
Entering the upcoming fight as a significant underdog in terms of betting odds – a first in his career – Silveira feels this places the pressure squarely on Edwards.
Acknowledging the importance of the matchup, Silveira said, “Good name, good fighter, semifinal, there’s a lot on the table.” He compared their careers, pointing out that Edwards has fought for a belt twice against members of his team and defeated an opponent Silveira has lost to. While admitting that “on paper there are some things that maybe you say, ‘This guy is better,’” Silveira contends that in reality, their standing is “almost the same.”
The victor of the Silveira vs. Edwards bout will advance to the $500,000 grand prix final, facing the winner of the Dalton Rosta vs. Aaron Jeffery fight, which is also scheduled for the same night in Chicago.
Silveira understands that every fight is tough at this level. “We’ve reached a point where the fights will always be hard,” he stated, emphasizing the need to abandon the idea of an easy fight. He recognizes the significance of this moment in his career and is prepared for the challenge, acknowledging that feeling “stressed, I’ll feel nervous” is simply “part of the work. I’m ready for this.”
He continued, asserting, “On paper, you’re supposed to beat me. On paper, you will win, but fighting doesn’t work like that.” Silveira noted that “many things on paper don’t come to reality.” He expressed considerable respect for Edwards and his family, mentioning his brother Leon Edwards` achievement as a champion and their contribution to English MMA. Despite this respect, he concluded, “I respect him, but I’ve seen my team beat him.”
Apart from Eblen, the only fighters who have defeated Edwards were Costello van Steenis and Austin Vanderford, both by decision in 2020 and 2021. Silveira sees stylistic similarities between Fabian and his brother, former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, who recently experienced significant defeats against Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
Silveira characterized the Edwards brothers as being “good when they move forward, they know how to box and kickbox, but they don’t like being pressured.” He plans to apply pressure to force Edwards backward and “find my path.” Silveira, who has a wrestling background though he doesn`t always showcase it, sometimes chooses to “stand and brawl, too.” He plans to adapt during the fight but confirms he will “definitely walk forward and put pressure.”
He further added, “Honestly, I think I’m a bad matchup for him.” Silveira highlighted his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills, believing, “If I end up on top and take his back, I end this fight with a submission.” He contrasted this with Edwards having been knocked out in the past, while Silveira possesses a “big chin,” having never been knocked out. Although he`s not aiming for it on Friday, he is willing to “get my chin there and trade with him” if necessary, predicting it “is going to be a great show either way.”