Josh Silveira, who is scheduled to face Fabian Edwards in a Professional Fighters League (PFL) tournament semifinal on Friday, reveals a unique preparation method. In the past, Silveira served as a training partner, specifically mimicking Edwards` style to help teammate Johnny Eblen prepare for his own title fights against Edwards.
Silveira explained that because he is also a southpaw fighter, he was tasked with emulating Edwards` movements and techniques during Eblen`s training camps at American Top Team. He feels this process allowed him to deeply study Edwards` style. While recognizing Edwards` talent and respecting him for challenging his teammate, Silveira expressed confidence, noting that he believes he has identified the way to defeat the British fighter.
Despite having previously imitated Edwards, Silveira sees key differences in their actual fighting approaches. He points out that Edwards tends to avoid takedowns and doesn`t typically apply constant forward pressure, whereas Silveira describes himself as a pressure fighter who is willing to engage in grappling.
Aware that he enters the fight as a significant underdog, Silveira feels this potentially shifts the pressure onto Edwards. He acknowledges Edwards` impressive record, including his two title shots, and recognizes similarities in the progression of their respective careers. However, he is unfazed by the odds, understanding that high-stakes fights at this level are never easy.
Silveira respects Edwards and his family, including his brother Leon Edwards, recognizing their significant contributions to the sport, particularly in England. He observes stylistic similarities between the brothers, noting their effectiveness when moving forward but suggesting a potential vulnerability when facing relentless pressure. Silveira plans to exploit this by constantly pushing forward and making Edwards fight while moving backward.
Highlighting his wrestling and jiu-jitsu background, Silveira believes he is a difficult matchup for Edwards. He envisions the possibility of securing a submission victory if the fight goes to the ground. He also contrasted his durability, having never been knocked out, with Edwards` previous loss by KO, indicating a willingness to trade strikes if necessary. Silveira is confident that regardless of how the fight unfolds, it will be an exciting contest.
Murray Blackwood