Fabian Edwards has solely misplaced twice prior to now 4 years, a pair of title bouts to Johnny Eblen in Bellator and PFL. Josh Silveira, who stands throughout the cage from Edwards in a event semifinal match Friday at PFL 7, was the person chargeable for emulating him in Eblen’s camps at American High Crew in Florida.
“I used to be him,” Silveira instructed MMA Combating. “I used to be him in coaching for Johnny as a result of I’m additionally a southpaw. I perceive his model, I’ve already studied him loads. If he thinks it’s going to be straightforward, that’s good for me. I like that. I do know I’m not a simple struggle and I do know I’ll be able to battle.”
Regardless of taking part in the position of Edwards to assist Eblen twice in earlier years, Silveira believes he’s nothing just like the British fighter.
“It’s arduous to mimic him as a result of he doesn’t love to do takedowns, he doesn’t like placing stress,” Silveira stated. “I’m the kind of fighter that places stress. For Johnny, I imitated his kicks. He likes to attain factors, and solely from time to time he ends fights. However he doesn’t take you down and take your again, issues like that. I’ve seen loads of tape of him. He’s gifted, however I do know the trail to beat him.”
Silveira stated the undefeated Eblen helped him throughout camp with essential recommendation, and watching them each go to struggle contained in the cage confirmed the son of ATT chief Conan Silveira that Edwards “gave him an awesome struggle, so I’ve to respect him.”
Having by no means opened as such a steep underdog oddswise earlier than in his profession, Silveira feels that places Edwards in a must-win state of affairs.
“Good identify, good fighter, semifinal, there’s loads on the desk,” Silveira stated. “Once you have a look at my profession and his profession, he’s fought for the belt twice in opposition to my workforce. He beat the man I misplaced twice to, so on paper there are some issues that perhaps you say, ‘This man is healthier,’ however I don’t know, it’s virtually the identical.”
The winner of Silveira vs. Edwards advance to the $500,00 grand prix closing in opposition to whoever emerges from the Dalton Rosta vs. Aaron Jeffery matchup, which takes place the identical evening in Chicago.
“We’ve reached a degree the place the fights will at all times be arduous,” Silveira stated. “Get that concept out of your head that you just’ll have a simple struggle. That doesn’t occur anymore. The distinction now’s that I do know the place I’m at in my life and the way necessary this second is for me. I’ve to go there and do my job. I’ll really feel burdened, I’ll really feel nervous, however that’s a part of the work. I’m prepared for this.”
“On paper, you’re imagined to beat me,” he continued. “On paper, you’ll win, however combating doesn’t work like that. I’ve seen many issues on paper don’t come to actuality. On the finish of the day, I’ve a ton of respect for him and his household. His brother [Leon Edwards] was additionally a champion, they’ve made some noise in England and characterize the nation very nicely. I respect him, however I’ve seen my workforce beat him.”
Except for Eblen, the one males capable of crack Edwards’ recreation have been Costello van Steenis and Austin Vanderford, each through determination again in 2020 and 2021. Silveira sees similarities between Fabian’s model and brother Leon Edwards’—the previous UFC welterweight champion who faces an extended street to get again on monitor after two lopsided defeats to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
“They’re good after they transfer ahead, they know learn how to field and kickbox, however they don’t like being pressured,” Silveira stated. “I’ll put my stress to make him stroll backwards and discover my path. I’m a wrestler however I don’t at all times present that in my fights. Generally I stand and brawl, too. I’ve to go there and see what I’ll do, however I’ll positively stroll ahead and put stress.”
“Truthfully, I feel I’m a nasty matchup for him,” he continued. “I’m a wrestler however I grew up in jiu-jitsu. If I find yourself on high and take his again, I finish this struggle with a submission. He’s been knocked out earlier than. I’ve an enormous chin—I haven’t been [knocked out] earlier than, thank God, and I’m not attempting to get on the twenty seventh, but when I’ve to get my chin there and commerce with him, I’ll. It’s going to be an awesome present both manner.”
