Fabian Edwards secured his place in the 2025 PFL middleweight finals with a dominant decision victory over Josh Silveira at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Friday night. Edwards (15-4), the younger brother of former UFC champion Leon Edwards, showcased a potent combination of boxing skills and exceptional takedown defense, ultimately outlasting Silveira (14-5) in a fiercely competitive semifinal bout. The three-round contest concluded with all three judges delivering identical scores of 29-28 in favor of Edwards, marking a significant step forward for the rising middleweight contender. This impressive win sets up a championship opportunity for Edwards, who will now face Dalton Rosta (11-1) in the PFL finals scheduled for August 21st. The victory represents a crucial moment for Edwards, particularly considering his previous challenges for the Bellator MMA middleweight championship in 2023 and 2024, where he narrowly missed securing the title. Despite these setbacks, Edwards remains a top competitor at 185 pounds at the age of 32, demonstrating resilience and a continued drive for success within the PFL. His journey to the semifinals was solidified by a hard-fought victory against 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay, highlighting his versatility and ability to adapt to different weight classes. The atmosphere surrounding the PFL 2025 middleweight tournament is electric, with numerous exciting fights shaping the path to the championship.

Beyond Edwards’s impressive win, the night also saw other notable advancements. Aaron Jeffery secured a split decision victory over Rosta, showcasing a tactical approach to the fight. Furthermore, Oleg Popov and Alexandr Romanov advanced to the finals under unique circumstances, as Romanov's semifinal against Valentin Moldavsky ended in a no-contest due to an accidental groin strike, adhering strictly to PFL rules. This ensured Romanov’s progression, while the judges scored the bout accordingly. The tournament continued with impressive performances from Antonio Carlos Jr. (18-6) and Sullivan Cauleay (8-1), showcasing exciting battles. Notably, Cauleay emerged as a significant underdog, defeating former Bellator MMA champion Phil Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), demonstrating remarkable skill and determination. This victory underscored the unpredictable nature of the PFL and the potential for underdogs to achieve remarkable success.