UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, former Bellator MMA title challenger Fabian Edwards delivered a breathtaking knockout to Dalton Rosta in the third round of the PFL World Tournament finals on Thursday, securing his victory with a stunning left head kick. The knockout occurred at the 1:28 mark of the round, reminiscent of the iconic kick delivered by Edwards’ brother, Leon Edwards, which clinched a UFC championship in 2022.
This decisive victory at the PFL event in Hollywood, Florida, not only earned Edwards a prize of $500,000 but also marked a significant redemption for him after previous championship disappointments in Bellator. Edwards, now boasting a record of 16-4, faced Rosta’s aggressive takedown attempts in the early rounds, demonstrating resilience and strategy before landing the decisive blow.
The buzz around Edwards’ performance draws parallels to Leon’s unforgettable comeback against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 on August 20, 2022, solidifying the Edwards brothers’ legacy in the sport.
In addition to Edwards’ victory, Thursday’s event showcased two other high-stakes finals. In the heavyweight division, Oleg Popov (22-2), a promising fighter mentored by MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, claimed his first PFL championship with a split decision win over Alexander Romanov (19-4). Popov’s journey to the finals included a narrow loss to Denis Goltsov last year, making this win particularly sweet.
Meanwhile, in the light heavyweight category, Antonio Carlos Jr. (19-6) secured his second PFL tournament championship by submitting Sullivan Cauley (8-1) in the second round. Carlos Jr. entered the match as a slight underdog but showcased impressive skill, overcoming a tough start that included a knockdown in the opening round and a significant cut on Cauley.
With three electrifying matches concluding the tournament, the PFL continues to deliver action-packed events that captivate fight fans worldwide. As Edwards and his fellow champions relish their victories, all eyes turn to the next season and the potential rivalries that will emerge.
Stay tuned for more updates as the PFL landscape evolves, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in these athletes’ careers.
