Bellator London: Fabian Edwards exudes confidence ahead of a duel with Lyoto Machida
Written byTimes Magazine
According to him, it's not "if" he beats mixed martial arts legend Lyoto Machida in a co-main event at London's Bellator on Friday - it's "when."
It's a remarkable display of the determination of 29-year-old Edwards, remembering the last three years when the Briton suffered two defeats and three more battles called off.
However, there was no hint of uncertainty as Edwards leaned back in his chair to describe what it was like to face the likes of Machida at Wembley Arena.
"When it's all over, and I'm in the car, I'll go back to Birmingham, and I'll be like, 'Wow, I just beat Machida,'" Edwards told BBC Sport.
"Then you can ask. But right now, he is just a different person, and I will beat him."
At Machida, Edwards faced the former UFC welterweight champion, a veteran of 37 fights.
The Brazilian has received praise throughout his career for his unique karate style, which helps complement his distance management and counter-attacking skills.
However, with three straight defeats, there are signs that the 43-year-old's strength may be waning.
Edwards says he believes the fight against big names like Machida will eventually come to fruition once he pits himself against older fighters at the gym.
"You go to the gym and work out, and I'm like, 'Well, I haven't been doing this all this time, but I can get by with people who have been doing it for ten years,'" Edwards says.
"When I did that, I knew it was possible. So that doesn't surprise me.
"He's going to play along, moving game. I can play this game, but the game plan is smart pressure - break the rhythm, break the cell, go out there, and show me the best version of Fabian."
Although Edwards admits the past few years have been "disappointing," he says he has found solace at his gym in Birmingham.
Like his brother Leon at the UFC, who has also had to receive several cancellations in recent years, Edwards used the time to hone his fighting skills.
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