Bellator: Newcastle - Predictions and Picks

#3 Fabian Edwards vs. Lee Chadwick

Can Fabian Edwards be as successful as his brother - UFC contender Leon?

These are two names which probably won’t ring many bells for MMA fans, but Edwards is in fact the younger brother of current UFC Welterweight contender Leon Edwards, and trains out of the same gym – the Birmingham-based Team Renegade. At 5-0 – and with a 6-0 amateur record behind him – Edwards is bringing some deserved hype into his Bellator debut.

He’s faced with a pretty tricky test, though – Chadwick is a veteran of 12 years experience, and he’s also been in there with some recognisable names, with losses to Jack Marshman and Zelg Galesic – as well as a victory over Cathal Pendred – on his record. At 34 he might be past his prime, but he’ll still likely give Edwards a very tough fight.

Fighting out of a southpaw stance though, Edwards brings in an absolutely nasty Muay Thai game. His body kick stoppage of Claudio Conti in his last fight was savage, and the flying knee he used to destroy Rafal Cejrowski in his Bellator debut back in 2017 was even better. Throw in the fact that he also appears to have a venomous grappling game, and he could be a handful for anyone on Bellator’s roster – particularly on their European circuit.

Chadwick should be able to hang in there at least, but I don’t see him beating Edwards, who should develop into a genuine contender in Bellator – as his brother has in the UFC. I don’t think it necessarily matters where this fight goes, I suspect Edwards can end it from anywhere really.

The Pick: Edwards via first round TKO