In a night that will be etched into the annals of mixed martial arts (MMA), Fabian Edwards delivered a remarkable performance, culminating in a knockout victory over Impa Kasanganay at the PFL 2025 World Tournament in Universal Studios, Orlando. This triumph marks a significant turning point for Edwards, a fighter in the shadows of his brother, UFC champion Leon Edwards. With an impressive record of 14 wins and 4 losses, Edwards showcased a striking versatility that highlighted his evolution as a fighter.
The fight’s pivotal moment arrived in the second round when Edwards executed a flying knee that stunned Kasanganay, who previously rose to prominence in the PFL by claiming the tournament title in 2023 and advancing to the finals in 2024. This calculated approach is indicative of Edwards’ growing confidence and skill set. Following the initial damage, a swift left hand sent Kasanganay crashing to the canvas, rendered vulnerable by the barrage of punches that followed. The referee was left with no choice but to call the fight at 2:14 into the round, sealing a victory that Edwards desperately needed to fortify his legacy in the sport.
Setting the Stage for Future Clashes
This formidable win propels Edwards into an intriguing matchup against Josh Silveira, a well-regarded PFL contender whose own record stands at 14-4 after a recent victory over Mike Shipman. This matchup promises to pit two skilled strikers against one another and offers Edwards yet another opportunity to carve out his path in the competitive middleweight division.
In contrast, the other half of the middleweight bracket saw Dalton Rosta use a submission technique to defeat Sadibou Sy, claiming victory via a d’Arce choke in the second round. Rosta will now face Canadian fighter Aaron Jeffery, who secured a narrow split decision win against Murad Ramazanov. These developments highlight a division bursting with potential contenders, and the anticipation for upcoming bouts is palpable.
Lightweight Title Pursuits and Surprising Upsets
The lightweight division also delivered thrilling outcomes, notably the advancing players of Gadzhi Rabadanov and rising star Jay Jay Wilson. Rabadanov, the reigning champion, showcased his ferocity with a TKO victory against former UFC talent Marc Diakiese, positioning himself firmly on the path to consecutive championships. Meanwhile, Wilson’s emphatic TKO win over Mads Burnell signals his entry into the PFL as a young talent to watch.
Moreover, notable upset victories are taking center stage as veteran fighter Alfie Davis stunned fans by defeating Clay Collard with a spinning back fist. Not to be outdone, Brent Primus demonstrated his grappling prowess by submitting Vinicius Cenci, showcasing that the road to victory can often be paved with unexpected turns.
With the PFL’s 2025 World Tournament continuing to unfold, fans are left at the edge of their seats in anticipation. Each event reveals new stories, and the spotlight remains fixed on these rising stars as they vie for greatness within the realm of professional fighting. The semifinals set for June promise to be nothing short of electrifying.