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 match semifinal match Friday at PFL 7, was the person liable for emulating him in Eblen’s camps at American High Workforce in Florida.
“I used to be him,” Silveira informed MMA Combating. “I used to be him in coaching for Johnny as a result of I’m additionally a southpaw. I perceive his type, I’ve already studied him so much. If he thinks it’s going to be simple, that’s good for me. I really like that. I do know I’m not a simple battle and I do know I’ll be able to battle.”
Regardless of enjoying the function of Edwards to assist Eblen twice in earlier years, Silveira believes he’s nothing just like the British fighter.
“It’s onerous to mimic him as a result of he doesn’t love to do takedowns, he doesn’t like placing strain,” Silveira stated. “I’m the kind of fighter that places strain. For Johnny, I imitated his kicks. He likes to attain factors, and solely every now and then 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 conflict contained in the cage confirmed the son of ATT chief Conan Silveira that Edwards “gave him an incredible battle, 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 scenario.
“Good identify, good fighter, semifinal, there’s so much on the desk,” Silveira stated. “Once you take a look at my profession and his profession, he’s fought for the belt twice in opposition to my staff. 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 nearly the identical.”
The winner of Silveira vs. Edwards advance to the $500,00 grand prix ultimate in opposition to whoever emerges from the Dalton Rosta vs. Aaron Jeffery matchup, which takes place the identical night time in Chicago.
“We’ve reached a degree the place the fights will all the time be onerous,” Silveira stated. “Get that concept out of your head that you just’ll have a simple battle. That doesn’t occur anymore. The distinction now could be 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 confused, I’ll really feel nervous, however that’s a part of the work. I’m prepared for this.”
“On paper, you’re purported 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 effectively. I respect him, however I’ve seen my staff beat him.”
Apart from Eblen, the one males capable of crack Edwards’ sport had been Costello van Steenis and Austin Vanderford, each through resolution again in 2020 and 2021. Silveira sees similarities between Fabian’s type and brother Leon Edwards’—the previous UFC welterweight champion who faces a protracted highway to get again on observe after two lopsided defeats to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
“They’re good after they transfer ahead, they know easy methods to field and kickbox, however they don’t like being pressured,” Silveira stated. “I’ll put my strain to make him stroll backwards and discover my path. I’m a wrestler however I don’t all the time 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 strain.”
“Truthfully, I believe 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 battle with a submission. He’s been knocked out earlier than. I’ve a giant 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 incredible present both means.”
