Fabian Edwards has punched his ticket to the 2025 PFL Middleweight World Tournament finals after a commanding unanimous decision victory over Josh Silveira at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Friday night, June 27, 2025. With all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor, Edwards showcased his slick, technical striking and grappling defense to outlast the resilient Silveira in a thrilling semifinal matchup.
The 32-year-old Edwards, younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, has been a prominent figure in the MMA world for years. Known for his precise striking and finishing ability—eight of his fourteen wins coming by stoppage, six in the first round—Edwards has carved a reputation as a crafty and dangerous middleweight contender. His journey to the PFL finals has been marked by notable victories, including a highlight first-round knockout of 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion Impa Kasanganay earlier this year.
Friday’s fight was a showcase of Edwards’ well-rounded skill set. Silveira, a former Pac-12 wrestling champion at Arizona State and the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Runner-Up, brought a tough wrestling base and aggressive ground tactics to the cage. However, Edwards effectively neutralized Silveira's takedown attempts, using sharp counters and slick defensive maneuvers to maintain control on the feet and dictate the pace of the fight.
The opening round saw Silveira land several low kicks, momentarily putting Edwards off balance. Yet Edwards responded with crisp one-two combinations and a punishing right hand, asserting his striking dominance. Edwards even threatened with submission attempts on the ground, including a reverse triangle and kimura trap, demonstrating his grappling savvy despite Silveira’s wrestling pedigree.
In the second round, Edwards continued to assert control, landing body kicks, elbows, and a knee that visibly hurt Silveira. He hunted for a deep choke and maintained top control for significant portions of the round, showcasing his evolving ground game. Silveira managed to defend well and returned to his feet multiple times, but Edwards’ pressure and precision kept him ahead.
The final round was a back-and-forth affair with both fighters exchanging strikes and low kicks. Edwards landed a left hand that wobbled Silveira, who retreated to the ground where Edwards unleashed a series of leg kicks and elbows, including a powerful axe kick. Edwards finished strong by threatening Silveira’s neck from a headlock position, leaving no doubt in the judges' minds.
All three judges scored the bout 29-28 for Edwards, reflecting a closely contested but clear victory. This win extends Edwards’ winning streak in the PFL tournament and sets up a highly anticipated showdown against Dalton Rosta on August 21, 2025, for the middleweight championship. Rosta earned his finals berth with a razor-thin split decision victory over Aaron Jeffery, avenging his only career loss in the process.
Edwards’ path to the finals has not been without challenges. He previously challenged Johnny Eblen for the Bellator MMA middleweight title in both 2023 and 2024 but came up short. Nevertheless, his persistence and skill development have kept him among the top contenders at 185 pounds. With a professional record of 15-4 and a 2-0 mark in the PFL, Edwards is poised to capture his first major world title.
Friday’s event also featured impressive performances in other weight classes. In the co-main event, underdog Sullivan Cauley pulled off a major upset by defeating former Bellator light heavyweight champion Phil Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Cauley’s piston-like jab and dynamic striking kept Davis at bay, while his resilience in the clinch and exchanges made for a memorable contest.
In the bantamweight division, former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis edged out Raufeon Stots in a close but disputed unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), despite Stots securing takedowns in every round. The tactical chess match showcased the speed and technical prowess of both fighters, leaving fans eager for future rematches.
Heavyweight action saw Oleg Popov return to the finals with a dominant unanimous decision win over UFC veteran Rodrigo Nascimento, controlling the fight with wrestling and striking. Meanwhile, Alexander Romanov advanced under unusual circumstances after his semifinal bout against Valentin Moldavsky ended in a no-contest due to an accidental groin strike that left Romanov stretchered off. Judges awarded Romanov the advancement per PFL rules, setting up a heavyweight final showdown.
Other notable moments included Ronnie Gibbs’ upset submission victory over promotional prospect Biaggio Ali Walsh via arm-triangle choke in the second round, and Rafael Xavier’s lightning-fast 27-second TKO debut win over Karl Albrektsson, marking him as a rising star to watch.
With the semifinals complete, the stage is set for the 2025 PFL World Tournament finals across multiple weight classes. Fabian Edwards will face Dalton Rosta in the middleweight final on August 21, promising a thrilling battle between two elite fighters. Meanwhile, other champions will be crowned in the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and bantamweight divisions, as the PFL season builds toward its climactic conclusion.
Edwards’ victory over Silveira was not just a testament to his physical skills but also his strategic acumen and heart. As he prepares for the title bout, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can finally capture the championship that has eluded him in previous organizations. One thing is certain: Fabian Edwards is a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world, and his journey in the PFL is far from over.
