Josh Silveira, who previously emulated Fabian Edwards in training camps, is set to face Edwards in a PFL semifinal, believing his pressure-heavy style and wrestling background make him a challenging matchup despite Edwards’ past successes.
Fabian Edwards has faced defeat only twice in four years, both times in title bouts against Johnny Eblen in Bellator and PFL. Josh Silveira, who’ll meet Edwards in the PFL 7 semifinal, once played a crucial role in Eblen’s training camps at American Top Team.
“I was him,” Silveira told MMA Fighting. “I’m also a southpaw, so I understand his style. If he thinks it’s gonna be easy, that’s great for me. I’m ready to battle.”
Despite mimicking Edwards for Eblen, Silveira insists he’s quite different from the British fighter. “It’s hard to imitate him,” Silveira said. “He doesn’t like takedowns or pressure. I’m all about pressure.”
Eblen, undefeated, offered Silveira key advice during camp. Watching Eblen and Edwards clash showed Silveira the respect Edwards deserves. “He gave him a great fight,” Silveira noted.
Silveira finds himself as a steep underdog, a first in his career. This, he believes, puts Edwards in a must-win situation. “Good name, good fighter, semifinal—there’s a lot on the table,” he said.
The winner between Silveira and Edwards will advance to the $500,000 grand prix final against either Dalton Rosta or Aaron Jeffery. “Fights are always hard now,” Silveira admitted. “I know how important this moment is for me.”
“On paper, you’re supposed to beat me,” he continued. “But fighting doesn’t work like that. I respect him and his family, but I’ve seen my team beat him.”
Besides Eblen, only Costello van Steenis and Austin Vanderford have beaten Edwards, both by decision in 2020 and 2021. Silveira sees similarities between Fabian and his brother Leon Edwards, the former UFC welterweight champion.
“They’re good moving forward, boxing, kickboxing, but they don’t like pressure,” Silveira observed. “I’ll put pressure on him and find my path. I’m a wrestler, but I brawl too.”
“Honestly, I think I’m a bad matchup for him,” Silveira concluded. “I grew up in jiu-jitsu. If I take his back, I end it with a submission. It’s gonna be a great show either way.”