Joselyne Celina Edwards Loboriel Bio
Joselyne Celina Edwards Loboriel, born on September 29, 1995, is a Panamanian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by her ring name “La Pantera,” Edwards is recognized for her striking and grappling skills and is ranked #14 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings as of April 29, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Joselyne Edwards was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. She began boxing at the age of 13, which laid the foundation for her combat sports career. After four years of boxing, she transitioned to mixed martial arts at 17, initially training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Despite limited access to MMA gyms in Panama City, Edwards quickly adapted and made her MMA debut after just six months of training in jiu-jitsu.
Path to MMA
Edwards developed her skills in regional MMA circuits, where she compiled a 9–2 record and won the UCC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in Panama, defending it twice. In 2018, she moved to the United States to advance her career, joining Kings MMA. There, she defeated former Bellator fighter Jessica Middleton by TKO and won the KOTC Bantamweight Championship via armbar submission. Edwards also competed for the LFA Women’s Bantamweight Championship, narrowly losing by split decision to Sarah Alpar.
Joselyne Edwards Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Edwards began her professional MMA career in 2015, quickly establishing herself on the regional scene in Panama. Her early success included capturing and defending the UCC Women’s Bantamweight title. Moving to the United States in 2018 marked a turning point, as she secured significant wins against experienced opponents and claimed the KOTC Bantamweight Championship, showcasing her evolving skill set and readiness for higher competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Joselyne Edwards made her UFC debut on January 16, 2021, stepping in as a replacement to face Wu Yanan and winning by unanimous decision. She faced tough competition in the UFC, including bouts against Karol Rosa and Jessica-Rose Clark, experiencing mixed results. Edwards demonstrated resilience and skill with notable victories over Ramona Pascual and Ji Yeon Kim in 2022. Despite some controversies over weigh-ins and decision outcomes, she continued to improve her standing in the bantamweight division.
In 2023 and 2024, Edwards faced challenges including weight misses and losses but rebounded with a submission win over Tamires Vidal in October 2024. In 2025, she achieved technical knockout victories over Chelsea Chandler and Priscila Cachoeira, earning a Performance of the Night award for the latter. These wins have solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor in the UFC bantamweight ranks.
Kings MMA Era (2018–Present)
Since joining Kings MMA in 2018, Joselyne Edwards has benefited from high-level coaching and training partners, which have contributed to her technical growth and strategic approach in fights. Her orthodox stance and 178 cm reach complement her aggressive striking and grappling style. Edwards’ partnership with Kings MMA has been instrumental in her development and success within the UFC.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Edwards combines boxing fundamentals with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding a purple belt in the discipline. Her fighting style is characterized by powerful striking, effective clinch work, and submission skills. She adapts well to different opponents, leveraging her reach and orthodox stance to control distance and pace. Edwards’ resilience and ability to finish fights by knockout or submission highlight her versatility inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Edwards’ career include winning the UCC and KOTC Bantamweight Championships, her UFC debut victory, and earning a Performance of the Night bonus in 2025. Despite some weigh-in challenges, she has maintained a competitive edge and delivered memorable performances, including a rear-naked choke submission and multiple technical knockout wins that showcase her finishing ability.
Joselyne Edwards Career Wins
Joselyne Edwards has accumulated 16 professional wins out of 22 fights, with a record that includes 7 knockouts, 1 submission, and 5 decision victories. Her career highlights span regional championships and significant UFC wins, reflecting her growth and competitiveness in the bantamweight division.
UFC Highlights
Edwards’ UFC tenure features notable wins such as her debut unanimous decision over Wu Yanan and a split decision victory against Ji Yeon Kim. Her recent knockout wins in 2025 against Chelsea Chandler and Priscila Cachoeira have been pivotal, earning her recognition and a Performance of the Night award. These victories underscore her ability to perform at the highest level of women’s MMA.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Edwards secured the UCC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in Panama and the KOTC Bantamweight Championship in the United States. Her regional success laid the groundwork for her transition to the global stage, demonstrating her capability to compete and win across different promotions.
Joselyne Edwards Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Joselyne Edwards was born and continues to reside in Panama City, Panama. Public information about her family and personal relationships remains private. She maintains a professional focus on her MMA career, representing Panama on the international stage.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Joselyne Edwards has shown significant momentum in the UFC bantamweight division. She secured a technical knockout win over Chelsea Chandler in April and followed with a first-round knockout against Priscila Cachoeira in August, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. These victories have improved her ranking and positioned her as a rising contender. Edwards continues to train with Kings MMA, aiming to build on her success and contend for higher-profile fights in the coming seasons.