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Fabian Edwards makes his moment with head-kick KO to claim Middleweight World Tournament Title

August 21, 2025 | Thomas Albano

The younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, Fabian Edwards is known as a finesse striker with elite range control and deceptive feinting ability, describing his style as “slick but savage.” He has challenged Johnny Eblen for the Bellator middleweight title twice before, but he was unsuccessful both times.

Dalton Rosta has been known as one of the most notable up-and-comers in the sport since his professional debut in March 2029. Rosta, who has been boxing and wrestling for most of his life, fought his first 10 pro bouts in Bellator, going 9-1 in the promotion. Since moving to the PFL, he’s scored victories over former PFL welterweight champion Sadibou Sy and Aaron Jeffrey (the man who handed Rosta his sole loss) to reach the middleweight final tonight.

Which of these two will be named the 2025 PFL World Tournament Champion at Middleweight?

Round 1

The two flash their jabs. Round kick by Rosta. Low kick by Edwards. Low kick again from Edwards. And another. Edwards flashing the right hand. Kick to the body by Edwards. Rosta responds in kind. Low kick and a right hand by Edwards. Left hand by Edwards. Edwards slowly pressuring. Strong counter by Rosta. Cup check on Edwards. Rosta with a left hand. Front kick by Edwards misses. Rosta comes over the top. Left hand by Edwards. Low kick by Edwards. Edwards with a front kick. Left hand misses for Edwards, and Rosta lands a body shot.

Low kicks by Rosta. Edwards with a straight left to the body. Rosta with a head kick. Edwards with a round kick. A couple of big swings from Rosta. Rosta with a body lock and a takedown. Rosta gets to the back. Rosta has Edwards pinned against the fence despite him getting up. Rosta with a couple of break strikes before another level change and another takedown. Rosta threatens an arm triangle. Edwards works his way back to his feet. Rosta with a high kick and a right hand. Edwards tries to land inside, but Rosta presses him against the fence once more before the bell.

Round 2

Low kick by Edwards. Front kick by Edwards. Rosta with a hard right hand, and a high and body kick. Rosta with a flurry, and he hurts Edwards! Edwards is backing up! A body lock against the fence by Rosta, but Edwards reverses the position. Edwards trying to get out of the clinch, but Rosta has a tight hold on him.

HEADSHOT DEAD!

FABIAN EDWARDS SLEEPS DALTON ROSTA!!

[ #PFLWorldTournament | NOW ESPN] pic.twitter.com/XdqeLLotNe
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 22, 2025

Edwards finally escapes, but Rosta gets him right back against the fence. A knee and now Edwards turns Rosta against the fence. Both men land right hands. Right hand by Rosta. A couple of knees by Rosta as he gets Edwards back against the fence. Rosta goes for another takedown, but Edwards gets away and off the fence. Strong elbow by Edwards. Rosta gets the fight back on the ground. Edwards gets back to his feet, but he’s still trapped in Rosta’s grasp. He goes for one more takedown before the end of the round, but Edwards remained on his feet, and he even landed a knee to the head before the bell.

Round 3

Round kick by Edwards. Front kick by Edwards. And another kick. Another low kick. Another one as Rosta stays on the outside. Edwards presses Rosta against the fence. Left hand by Edwards. Elbow and front kick from Edwards. Right hand by Rosta. Low kick by Edwards. Head kick from Edwards, and ROSTA DROPS OUT COLD!!!