Fabian Edwards showcased a dominant performance at PFL 3 in Orlando, culminating in a spectacular knockout victory over former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay. Despite the impressive finish, Edwards` celebration was brief, as he immediately focused on his next challenge.
The fight, anticipated as a striking battle, lived up to its billing. Edwards quickly established control with sharp, close-range elbows that repeatedly caught Kasanganay off guard. One such elbow opened a significant cut on Kasanganay`s face, drawing blood.
The ringside doctor examined the deep gash during the break between rounds, but deemed Kasanganay fit to continue.
While Kasanganay had moments of success, including a punch that briefly stunned Edwards after an accidental head clash, Edwards consistently found openings to land powerful strikes. The finish came in the second round when a precise jab rocked Kasanganay. Edwards capitalized on this, unleashing a flurry of punches that sent Kasanganay to the mat, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 2:14 of the second round.
After sharing a moment of victory with his brother, Leon Edwards, Fabian Edwards turned his attention to his upcoming opponent, Josh Silveira, who also secured a win earlier in the evening.
“I feel good, but the job isn’t finished yet,” Edwards stated after his win, emphasizing his focus on the tournament. “One win down, two more to go. I can`t get carried away. PFL should have allowed elbows a long time ago.”
In the co-main event, Gadzhi Rabadanov, the 2024 PFL champion, continued his impressive run in the lightweight division with a swift 32-second demolition of former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese.
The fight was over almost as soon as it began. Rabadanov caught a kick from Diakiese, took him down, and unleashed a barrage of punches. Diakiese was overwhelmed by the rapid assault and quickly succumbed to the strikes.
This quick knockout victory propels Rabadanov further in the PFL tournament, where he is now set to face Jay-Jay Wilson in the next round.
Dalton Rosta delivered a statement performance against PFL veteran Sadibou Sy, securing a finish in their middleweight tournament bout. Despite Sy`s reputation as a striker, Rosta landed a significant punch in the second round that led to a ground exchange.
Rosta relentlessly pursued punches and submission attempts, eventually locking in a D’arce choke. Sy was unable to escape the hold and lost consciousness, ending the fight.
Jay-Jay Wilson earned his place in the lightweight tournament semifinals with a dominant performance against Mads Burnell. While seemingly headed for a decision win, Wilson trapped Burnell and unleashed a series of heavy punches.
Burnell absorbed significant damage, and Wilson continued his assault until the referee intervened in the final round.
In the main card opener, Alfie Davis surprised veteran Clay Collard with a well-timed spinning back elbow to the head. Collard was visibly stunned but initially continued, despite a brief knockdown.
However, Davis maintained his attack, landing further punches until the referee stopped the fight at 2:12 in the first round.
PFL 3 Main Card Results:
- Fabian Edwards def. Impa Kasanganay via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:14
- Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Marc Diakiese via knockout (ground and pound) – Round 1, :32
- Dalton Rosta def. Sadibou Sy via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 2, 3:29
- Jay Jay Wilson def. Mads Burnell via TKO (ground strikes) – Round 3, 4:42
- Alfie Davis def. Clay Collard via TKO (spinning back elbow and punches) – Round 1, 2:12
PFL 3 Preliminary Card Results:
- Josh Silveira def. Mike Shipman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Brent Primus def. Vinicius Cenci via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 3, 4:52
- Aaron Jeffery def. Murad Ramazanov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
