Justin Edwards (fighter)
Justin Ross Edwards (born January 26, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Edwards has also formerly competed for the UFC, Bellator, and was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos and The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption.
| Justin Edwards | |
|---|---|
| Born | Justin Ross Edwards January 26, 1983 Mansfield, Ohio, United States |
| Other names | Fast Eddy |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1] |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) |
| Division | Lightweight Welterweight |
| Reach | 70.0 in (178 cm)[1] |
| Fighting out of | Bellefontaine, Ohio, United States |
| Team | American Top Team |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 16 |
| Wins | 10 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 8 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 6 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Amateur record | |
| Total | 7 |
| Wins | 5 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 3 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
Edwards grew up in Mansfield, Ohio, attending Madison High School. There he participated in football and wrestling. Edwards also did Greco-Roman wrestling that was not affiliated with his school. Upon graduating Edwards earned an athletic scholarship to play football at Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio. Edwards graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Criminal Justice. After graduating college Edwards picked up rugby until his work schedule wouldn't allow him to play.
Mixed martial arts career
Background
Edwards started training MMA in 2006 after seeing an MMA fight on television, and began training at a local gym the following day. In October 2006, Edwards made his amateur debut, winning via submission. He won his next five amateur fights, holding an undefeated 6–0 record before losing three straight fights and then deciding to go pro.
Early career
Edwards made his pro debut with a 30 second TKO win over Ultimate Fighter alumni, Josh Rafferty. His next bout took place at Bellator 5 against veteran John Troyer. Edwards won the fight via submission towards the end of round one. He then entered a one night tournament for the International Fighting Championship, winning the tournament with wins over Davarius Scaife and Daniel Stittgen – both via first round submission. Edwards won two more fights before appearing on The Ultimate Fighter.
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2011, Edwards had signed with the UFC to compete in The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.
Edwards was flown in as a replacement fighter for Keon Caldwell, making Edwards a member of Team dos Santos. He had his first fight against eventual winner Tony Ferguson. Edwards lost after Ferguson threw an upkick that knocked him unconscious. He was set to appear in the wildcard round but was suspended 90 days and could not compete.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
After losing in the preliminary round, Edwards remained signed after the show. He made his official UFC debut June 4, 2011 on The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale card, fighting against castmate, Clay Harvison.[2] He lost the fight via split decision.
Edwards faced highly-touted prospect and Wand Fight Team product, Jorge Lopez, on September 17, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 25.[3] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Edwards stepped in to fight newly-signed Englishman, John Maguire, at UFC 138 in Birmingham, England, following the withdrawal of James Head due to injury.[4] After being taken down and controlled for most of the fight, Edwards lost via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).
Edwards was expected to face Mike Stumpf on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143.[5] However, Stumpf suffered an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Stephen Thompson.[6] Edwards was also forced to pull out of the bout and was replaced by Dan Stittgen.[7]
Edwards faced Josh Neer on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5.[8] Edwards leaped into an arm in guillotine and finished the fight 45 seconds into the first round via technical submission after choking Neer unconscious. The finish won him Submission of the Night honors.
Edwards was expected to face Gunnar Nelson on February 16, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV: Barao vs. McDonald.[9] However, Edwards was forced to pull out of the bout citing an injury, and was replaced by returning veteran Jorge Santiago.[10]
Edwards faced promotional newcomer Brandon Thatch on August 28, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 27.[11] He lost the bout via first round TKO.
Edwards faced Ramsey Nijem in a Lightweight bout on January 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 35.[12] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Edwards was expected to face Yancy Medeiros on August 30, 2014 at UFC 177.[13] However, Edwards pulled out of the event in the days leading up to the event citing an injury. Medeiros ended up fighting promotional newcomer Damon Jackson.[14][15]
Edwards faced Joe Proctor on June 6, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 68.[16] He lost the back-and-forth fight via submission with just seconds remaining in the final round.[17] Subsequently, he was released from the promotion.[18]
The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption
In February 2017, it was revealed that Edwards would again compete on the UFC's reality show in the 25th season on The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption.[19] Edwards was the seventh pick overall for Team Garbrandt. He defeated Joe Stevenson in the opening round by unanimous decision. In the quarter finals Edwards lost to Tom Gallicchio by submission in the first round.
Championships and accomplishments
- International Fighting Championships
- IFC Grandprix Winner (2009)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Josh Neer
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 16 matches | 10 wins | 6 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 2 |
| By submission | 8 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 3 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 10–6 | Carlo Prater | Submission (guillotine choke) | Premier Fighting Championship 9 | August 11, 2018 | 3 | 1:44 | Covington, Kentucky, United States | Welterweight bout. |
| Loss | 9–6 | Devonte Smith | KO (punch) | Alliance MMA at the Arnold Sports Festival | March 3, 2018 | 1 | 1:30 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Win | 9–5 | Cody Pahan | Submission (guillotine choke) | Fight Night at the Island: Saunders vs. Volkmann | September 9, 2016 | 1 | 1:24 | Welch, Minnesota, United States | Welterweight bout. |
| Loss | 8–5 | Joe Proctor | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson | June 6, 2015 | 3 | 4:58 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 8–4 | Ramsey Nijem | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou | January 15, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Duluth, Georgia, United States | Lightweight debut. |
| Loss | 8–3 | Brandon Thatch | TKO (knees and punches) | UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann 2 | August 28, 2013 | 1 | 1:23 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 8–2 | Josh Neer | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot | October 5, 2012 | 1 | 0:45 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | Submission of the Night. |
| Loss | 7–2 | John Maguire | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 138 | November 5, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Birmingham, England | |
| Win | 7–1 | Jorge Lopez | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger | September 17, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 6–1 | Clay Harvison | Decision (split) | The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale | June 4, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Marcus Ajian | Submission (guillotine choke) | CNG Promotions: Queen City Meltdown | June 26, 2010 | 1 | 0:40 | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Tony Parker | Submission (guillotine choke) | Extreme IT Challenge | April 10, 2010 | 1 | 1:20 | Findlay, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Dan Stittgen | Submission (guillotine choke) | IFC: Wiuff vs. Newcomb | January 8, 2010 | 1 | 0:37 | Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States | IFC Grand Prix Final. |
| Win | 3–0 | Davarius Scaife | Submission (armbar) | IFC: Wiuff vs. Newcomb | January 8, 2010 | 1 | 0:48 | Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States | IFC Grand Prix Semifinal. |
| Win | 2–0 | John Troyer | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 5 | May 1, 2009 | 1 | 4:12 | Dayton, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Josh Rafferty | TKO (punches) | Extreme Challenge 111 | November 21, 2008 | 1 | 0:30 | Elizabeth, Indiana, United States |
Mixed martial arts exhibition record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 3 matches | 1 win | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 0 | 1 |
| By submission | 0 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 1-2 | Tom Gallicchio | Submission (rear-naked choke) | The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption | June 7, 2017 (airdate) | 1 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Quarterfinals round | |
| Win | 1-1 | Joe Stevenson | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption | May 31, 2017 (airdate) | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Preliminary round |
| Loss | 0–1 | Tony Ferguson | KO (upkick) | The Ultimate Fighter 13 | May 4, 2011 (airdate) | 1 | 3:56 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | The Ultimate Fighter 13 Preliminary round |
Amateur mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 14 matches | 12 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 5 | 0 |
| By submission | 7 | 1 |
| By decision | 0 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 6–2 | Mickey Hughes | Submission (armbar) | NAAFS: Columbus Night of Pain 4 | September 19, 2008 | 1 | 2:22 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 6–1 | Konstandinos Angelas | Decision (split) | ICFA: Shamrock Showdown | March 14, 2008 | 3 | 3:00 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Troy Miller | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CSB 2: Caged Super Brawl 2 | February 16, 2008 | 1 | 2:25 | Celina, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Jason Koehler | TKO (punches) | NOTW: Night of the Warrior | November 17, 2007 | 1 | 0:35 | Dayton, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Sean Lewis | TKO (punches) | NOTW: Night of the Warrior | September 29, 2007 | 1 | 0:30 | Dayton, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Joe Camacho | Submission (armbar) | Iron Tiger Challenge 3[20] | May 19, 2007 | 1 | 1:32 | Bellefontaine, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Chad Smith | TKO (punches) | MFC 6: Mega Fighting Championship | January 27, 2007 | 1 | 0:23 | Bellefontaine, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Dusty Jones | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MFC 4: Mega Fighting Championship | October 7, 2006 | 3 | 2:11 | London, Ohio, United States |
References
- "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Boetsch vs. Henderson". UFC.com. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
- "TUF 13 Finale prelims add Edwards vs. Harvison". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2012-08-07.
- "Jorge Lopez vs. Justin Edwards slated for UFC Fight Night 25". mmajunkie.com. August 14, 2011. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011.
- "John Maguire Gets New Opponent At UFC 138 In Justin Edwards". YourMMA.tv. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
- "Justin Edwards vs. Mike Stumpf added to UFC 143 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. December 23, 2011.
- "Stumpf injured, replacement Thompson meets Edwards at UFC 143". mmajunkie.com. January 10, 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-01-13. Retrieved 2012-01-11.
- "Justin Edwards injured, Dan Stittgen faces Stephen Thompson at UFC 143". mmajunkie.com. January 19, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- "Neer-Edwards added to UFC on FX 5". mmajunkie.com. August 1, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012.
- "Gunnar Nelson vs. Justin Edwards added to UFC on FUEL TV 7 in London". mmajunkie.com. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
- Staff (January 23, 2013). "Justin Edwards out, Jorge Santiago in against Gunnar Nelson at UFC on FUEL TV 7". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013.
- Staff (2013-06-05). "Justin Edwards-Brandon Thatch booked for UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 in Indianapolis". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-08. Retrieved 2013-06-05.
- Staff (2013-11-24). "UFC Fight Night 35 Card Grows with Addition of Three New Bouts". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
- Staff (2014-07-14). "Justin Edwards vs. Yancy Medeiros booked for UFC 177". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
- Staff (2014-08-21). "With Justin Edwards off UFC 177 card, promotion seeks replacement". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
- "Legacy champion Damon Jackson faces Yancy Medeiros at UFC 177". fansided.com.
- Andy Glen Ravens (2015-02-27). "Three new bouts added to UFC Fight Night 68". efightnews.com. Archived from the original on 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
- Brent Brookhouse (2015-06-06). "UFC Fight Night 68 results: Joe Proctor puts Justin Edwards to sleep with seconds left". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
- Anton Tabuena (2015-07-06). "Hatsu Hioki and Ryan Jimmo among 14 fighters released by the UFC". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-07-06.
- Marc Raimondi (2017-02-15). "Joe Stevenson, James Krause, Jesse Taylor among TUF: Redemption cast members". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
- Mixedmartialarts.com Staff (May 19, 2007). "Iron Tiger Challenge 3 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2014-05-26.
