Fabian Edwards has faced defeat just twice in the last four years, both times in championship contests against Johnny Eblen under the Bellator and PFL banners. As Josh Silveira prepares to step into the cage opposite Edwards for their tournament semifinal bout at PFL 7 on Friday, he recalls a familiar role – that of imitating Edwards during Eblen’s training camps at American Top Team in Florida.
“I was him,” Silveira revealed to MMA Fighting. “I emulated him in training for Johnny because I’m also a southpaw. I’ve already studied his style extensively. If he anticipates an easy fight, that suits me perfectly. I welcome that. I know I pose a difficult challenge and I am fully prepared for a battle.”
Despite having adopted Edwards` persona to assist Eblen on two separate occasions, Silveira maintains that he bears little resemblance to the British fighter.
“It’s challenging to replicate him because he avoids takedowns and doesn`t apply pressure,” Silveira explained. “Conversely, I am a fighter who thrives on pressure. For Johnny, I simulated his kicks. He tends to prioritize scoring points and only occasionally finishes opponents. He doesn`t typically take you down or secure your back, for instance. I’ve reviewed ample footage of him. He’s undoubtedly talented, but I am confident I understand how to defeat him.”
Silveira shared that the undefeated Eblen provided vital guidance throughout his training camp. Witnessing Eblen and Edwards compete showed the son of ATT head coach Conan Silveira that Edwards had “put up a great fight, earning my respect.”
Entering the fight as the most significant betting underdog of his career, Silveira believes this dynamic places immense pressure on Edwards, making it a must-win scenario for him.
“He’s a respected name, a skilled fighter, it`s a semifinal – there’s a lot at stake,” Silveira commented. “Comparing our careers, he’s competed for a belt twice against my team. He defeated the fighter I’ve lost to twice, so on paper, some might argue he`s superior. But I don`t see it that way; our standing is quite similar.”
The victor of the Silveira vs. Edwards bout will advance to the $1 million dollar grand prix final, facing the winner of the Dalton Rosta vs. Aaron Jeffery matchup, which takes place on the same night in Chicago.
“We’ve reached a point where every fight is inherently tough,” Silveira stated. “You have to abandon the notion of having an easy fight; it simply doesn’t happen anymore. The key difference now is my clear understanding of where I am in my life and the immense significance of this moment. My duty is to go in there and execute my plan. I anticipate feeling stress and nerves, but that’s an intrinsic part of the process. I am ready for this.”
“On paper, I’m supposed to lose,” he continued. “On paper, the win is yours, but fighting rarely follows the script. I`ve witnessed numerous instances where the `on paper` outcome never materialized. Ultimately, I hold deep respect for him and his family. His brother [Leon Edwards] was also a champion; they’ve certainly made a name for themselves in England and represent their country admirably. I respect him, but I’ve seen my teammates triumph over him.”
Aside from Eblen, the only other fighters to defeat Edwards were Costello van Steenis and Austin Vanderford, both by decision in 2020 and 2021. Silveira identifies similarities between Fabian’s fighting style and that of his brother, Leon Edwards — the former UFC welterweight champion who is currently working to rebound after two decisive losses to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
“They excel when moving forward; they possess strong boxing and kickboxing skills, but they don`t react well to pressure,” Silveira observed. “My strategy will be to apply pressure, force him to retreat, and carve out my path to victory. While I am a wrestler, I don`t always display that in my fights. Sometimes I prefer to stand and trade blows. I’ll assess the situation once we’re in the cage, but my intent is unequivocally to advance and apply pressure.”
“Frankly, I believe I’m a difficult matchup for him,” he added. “I am a wrestler with a jiu-jitsu foundation. Should I gain top control and take his back, I am confident I can secure a submission finish. He has been knocked out before. I possess a robust chin – I haven’t been knocked out myself, thankfully, and I’m not aiming for that on the 27th. But if exchanging strikes is necessary, I am prepared to do so. Regardless of how it unfolds, it promises to be an exceptional fight.”
