In the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, opportunities often arise from unexpected places. For Josh Silveira, his path to a high-stakes PFL light heavyweight semifinal against Fabian Edwards at PFL 7 includes a rather unusual detour: previously spending time *being* Fabian Edwards.
Edwards, known for his strategic approach and two previous title challenges against Johnny Eblen, stands as a significant challenge. Yet, Silveira, who prepares at the renowned American Top Team, found himself uniquely equipped with insight into Edwards` style long before their own paths were set to cross in the cage. His job? Emulating Edwards during **Johnny Eblen`s** training camps. “I was him,” Silveira recounts, highlighting the depth of his impersonation. As a fellow southpaw, he was tasked with mimicking Edwards` specific movements and tendencies, offering Eblen realistic preparation for their bouts.
This immersive experience wasn`t just a temporary gig; it became an intensive study. Silveira claims he already possesses a deep understanding of Edwards` game based on this unique perspective and extensive film review. He sees a fighter who prefers to score points and manage distance rather than relentlessly pursuing takedowns or finishes. “He doesn’t like putting pressure,” Silveira observed, contrasting it sharply with his own forward-pressing style.
This perceived aversion to pressure forms the cornerstone of Silveira`s strategy. He believes his natural inclination to move forward and dictate the pace will disrupt Edwards` rhythm. Furthermore, despite often showcasing his striking, Silveira emphasized his strong wrestling and jiu-jitsu background. While he might engage in striking exchanges (“stand and brawl”), the threat of a takedown and the danger he poses from top control – particularly hunting for submissions – adds another layer of complexity that he feels Edwards might struggle with.
Silveira enters the fight as a notable underdog, a position he embraces. He acknowledges Edwards` resume, including fighting for titles and holding wins over opponents Silveira has struggled against. On paper, the narrative might favor Edwards. However, Silveira is quick to dismiss the notion that pre-fight statistics dictate the outcome inside the cage. “Fighting doesn’t work like that,” he states, suggesting the “on paper” advantage puts more pressure squarely on Edwards` shoulders.
Respect for his opponent and the Edwards family legacy is evident. Silveira acknowledges Fabian`s skills and his brother Leon`s achievements as a former UFC champion, recognizing the noise they`ve made for England in the sport. Yet, this respect doesn`t dilute his confidence. He`s seen firsthand, through Eblen`s success, that Edwards is beatable, and he believes his specific skill set and strategic understanding make him a particularly difficult matchup.
Stepping into the PFL 7 cage for this semifinal isn`t without its stresses and nerves, as Silveira readily admits. But having trained *as* the opponent, analyzed his every move, and developed a strategy centered on applying relentless pressure, Josh Silveira is convinced he holds the key to unlocking the door to the $500,000 final. The man who once pretended to be Fabian Edwards now believes he knows precisely how to overcome the real one.
