Fabian Edwards Bio
Fabian Edwards (born 24 March 1993) is an English professional mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is the 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament Champion and the younger brother of former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards.
Early Life and Background
Fabian Edwards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he grew up in challenging conditions with his family sharing a single bed in a wooden house. His father, known as “The General,” was involved in gang leadership, exposing Edwards to frequent gun violence during his childhood. After his parents divorced when Fabian was seven, the family moved to England to be closer to his father, settling first in London and later in Aston, Birmingham. Despite the presence of gangs in these areas, Edwards and his family found a positive outlet through mixed martial arts, eventually forming Team Renegade.
Edwards began training in MMA at age 16, following the encouragement of his older brother Leon. His father was tragically shot dead in a London nightclub when Fabian was eleven, a pivotal event in his early life. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and currently resides in Erdington, Birmingham, England.
Path to MMA
Before turning professional, Fabian Edwards built an undefeated amateur record of 9–0. He balanced his early fighting career with jobs as a janitor and carpenter, maintaining these roles until signing his first professional contract with Bellator. Edwards made his professional MMA debut in 2017 and quickly gained attention for his dynamic striking and grappling skills. His dedication and persistence helped him rise through regional promotions and eventually into major organizations.
Edwards initially trained with the Ultimate Training Centre from 2010 to 2015 before joining Team Renegade BJJ & MMA, where he continues to develop his skills. His early career was marked by a series of impressive finishes that showcased his submission and knockout abilities.
Fabian Edwards Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Fabian Edwards began his professional MMA career in 2017 with Bellator, winning his debut fight by flying knee knockout. He then competed in the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA), where he secured five consecutive stoppage victories. These wins included submissions via rear-naked choke and armbar, as well as technical knockouts, establishing him as a rising prospect in the middleweight division.
During this period, Edwards balanced his fighting career with day jobs, demonstrating his commitment and work ethic. His early success in BAMMA set the stage for his return to Bellator with a multi-fight contract.
Bellator MMA Breakthrough (2019–2023)
Edwards signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator and made his return in 2019, defeating Lee Chadwick by unanimous decision at Bellator Newcastle. He followed this with a highlight-reel victory over Falco Neto at Bellator Birmingham, finishing the fight with multiple upkicks and ground strikes. Edwards continued to build momentum with wins over Jonathan Bosuku and Mike Shipman, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
Despite suffering his first professional loss via split decision to Costello Van Steenis in 2020 and a unanimous decision loss to Austin Vanderford in 2021, Edwards rebounded impressively. In 2022, he earned a first-round knockout victory over former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida at Bellator London, a career-defining moment that elevated his status in the division.
Edwards maintained strong form with wins over Charlie Ward and Gegard Mousasi, the latter a title eliminator bout. He challenged Johnny Eblen for the Bellator Middleweight Championship in September 2023 but lost by knockout in the third round. In March 2024, Edwards secured a unanimous decision victory over Aaron Jeffery at Bellator Champions Series 1.
Professional Fighters League Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Fabian Edwards joined the Professional Fighters League Middleweight Tournament. After a brief withdrawal and reinstatement, he won his quarterfinal fight against Impa Kasanganay by technical knockout. Edwards advanced to the semifinals, defeating Josh Silveira by unanimous decision. He claimed the tournament championship by knocking out Dalton Rosta with a head kick in the third round at PFL 10.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fabian Edwards is known for his versatile fighting style, combining striking power with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. His reach and height advantage allow him to control distance effectively, while his grappling skills provide submission threats. Edwards demonstrates strategic patience and adaptability, often wearing down opponents with a mix of striking and ground control. His partnership with Team Renegade BJJ & MMA has been instrumental in refining his technique and fight IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Edwards’s career include his first professional knockout via flying knee, his knockout of Lyoto Machida, and winning the 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament. His bouts against top-tier opponents like Gegard Mousasi and Johnny Eblen have marked him as a prominent figure in middleweight MMA.
Fabian Edwards Career Wins
Fabian Edwards has accumulated a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses. His victories include 1 knockout, 3 submissions, and 3 decision wins, reflecting his balanced skill set across striking and grappling disciplines.
Bellator MMA Highlights
In Bellator, Edwards secured multiple notable wins, including his first fight back with a unanimous decision over Lee Chadwick and a highlight knockout of Lyoto Machida. His victory over Gegard Mousasi in a title eliminator showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Edwards’s Bellator tenure solidified his reputation as a top middleweight contender.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
Edwards’s transition to the PFL in 2025 was marked by tournament success. He won the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts before capturing the Middleweight Tournament Championship with a head kick knockout in the final, underscoring his continued evolution and competitiveness.
Fabian Edwards Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fabian Edwards is the younger brother of Leon Edwards, former UFC Welterweight Champion. Their family background includes a challenging upbringing in Jamaica and England, with strong ties to martial arts as a positive influence. The brothers’ shared dedication to MMA has been a significant factor in their respective careers.
Personal Life
Details about Fabian Edwards’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. He resides in Erdington, Birmingham, England, and continues to focus on his professional fighting career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Fabian Edwards demonstrated peak performance by winning the PFL Middleweight Tournament. After overcoming a brief withdrawal, he returned to secure decisive victories in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. His championship win via head kick knockout in the final highlighted his striking prowess and tactical maturity. Edwards’s success in the 2025 season positions him as a leading figure in middleweight MMA, with strong momentum heading into future competitions.