Fabian Edwards captured the PFL middleweight championship with a stunning head kick knockout of Dalton Rosta, mirroring his brother Leon Edwards’ famous UFC victory and earning a $500,000 tournament prize. This win represents a career redemption for Edwards after previous title fight losses and solidifies his place among MMA’s elite.
Fabian Edwards, a 32-year-old British mixed martial artist and former two-time Bellator title challenger, achieved a decisive victory over Dalton Rosta in the main event of the PFL World Tournament finals. The bout took place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the PFL Smart Cage in Hollywood, Florida, headlining a card that featured multiple championship fights.
Edwards secured the win with a left head kick at 1:28 of the third round, knocking Rosta out cold. The technique was strikingly similar to the one used by his older brother, Leon Edwards, when he won the UFC welterweight title from Kamaru Usman in August 2022. This parallel added a poetic layer to Fabian’s triumph, emphasizing family legacy in combat sports.
The fight itself was competitive, with Rosta scoring several takedowns in the early rounds, showcasing his grappling skills. However, Edwards weathered the storm and remained patient, waiting for the opportunity to strike. His persistence paid off with the devastating kick that ended the contest abruptly, marking his sixth career knockout victory.
This victory holds significant personal meaning for Edwards, as it comes after two unsuccessful attempts to win the Bellator middleweight title against Johnny Eblen in 2023 and 2024. Those losses, one by TKO and one by decision, had left questions about his championship mettle, but this PFL win serves as a powerful rebuttal and a career highlight.
In terms of impact, Edwards not only claims the PFL middleweight title but also the $500,000 tournament prize, which is life-changing money in MMA. This win elevates his profile globally, potentially setting up big-money fights in the future, whether in PFL or other promotions. It also strengthens the Edwards family’s legacy in MMA, with both brothers now holding major titles in prominent organizations.
Looking ahead, Edwards is likely to defend his PFL title or pursue super fights, possibly against top contenders in the division. His performance demonstrates that he has overcome past setbacks and is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight landscape. This victory could lead to increased recognition and opportunities, such as main event slots or cross-promotional bouts.
The event also featured other championship fights, with Oleg Popov winning the heavyweight title and Antonio Carlos Jr. capturing the light heavyweight crown, but Edwards’ knockout was the standout moment, capturing headlines and fan attention worldwide.