Fabian Edwards Wins PFL Title with Stunning Knockout Kick

Former two-time Bellator MMA title challenger Fabian Edwards secured a dramatic victory in the finals of the PFL World Tournament, knocking out Dalton Rosta with a left head kick in the third round. The fight took place on Thursday in Hollywood, Florida, and ended at 1:28 of the round, echoing the spectacular finish delivered by Edwards’ older brother, Leon Edwards, during his UFC championship win three years earlier.

The knockout marked a significant milestone for Edwards, improving his record to 16-4 and earning him the $500,000 tournament prize. This victory served as personal redemption following two previous championship losses in Bellator, where he faced former champion Johnny Eblen in 2023 and 2024, losing both bouts by TKO and decision.

Edwards faced early challenges in the match against Rosta, who managed to score a couple of takedowns in the initial rounds. However, he recovered effectively, showcasing resilience and striking precision that ultimately led to his sixth career knockout.

Other Tournament Results Highlight PFL Event

The PFL World Tournament finals featured two additional championship bouts. In the heavyweight division, Oleg Popov, a protégé of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, claimed his first PFL tournament championship. He defeated Alexander Romanov by split decision after a closely contested match. Popov had previously reached the finals in last year’s championship format but lost to Denis Goltsov by submission in the opening round.

In the light heavyweight final, Antonio Carlos Jr. triumphed over Sullivan Cauley with a second-round submission, securing his second PFL tournament championship. Despite entering the match as a slight underdog, Carlos Jr. demonstrated tenacity, with both fighters exchanging knockdowns in the first round. Cauley sustained a severe cut in the second round, which ultimately led to his defeat on the ground.

The PFL event showcased not only Edwards’ remarkable accomplishment but also the depth of talent within the organization, as all three finals delivered thrilling moments for fans.