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| Credit: UFC |
Decorated MMA veteran Yves Edwards has called time on his 17-year stint in the cage, the UFC lightweight amassed to a record of 42-22-1, 1 NC over his long career. Edwards was winless in five fights and was recently submitted by Akbarh Arreola at UFC Fight Night 57.
Following the announcement of his retirement over Facebook, we felt it was time to reflect and appreciate all the action the 'Thugjitsu Master' brought to the octagon, and with that, here are our picks for the 5 must see Yves Edwards fights, of which you can access through fight pass:
1. vs. Nick Agallar - UFC 45, November 21st 2003
After two decision defeats at the beginning of his UFC career, Edwards strung together three successive wins and at UFC 45 he notched a fourth on the bounce. Edwards welcomed Nick Agallar into the organisation and after an encouraging first round for Agallar, it became very clear in the second-round that Edwards was a league above his opponent in the striking department.
With Agallar on wobbly legs, Edwards connected with a clean superman punch, sending his opponent to the canvas and the relentless ground and pound that followed scored his first ever knockout victory in the UFC.
2. vs. Dokonjonosuke - PRIDE Bushido 7, May 22nd 2005
Edwards was on an impressive six fight win streak from November 21st 2003 to February 26th 2005. He would then look to extend his streak to seven at his PRIDE debut against Dokonjonosuke Mishima.
Mishima had won three straight, including a DEEP lightweight title victory, however it would be the Bahamian who emerged victorious in his first trip to Tokyo.
Edwards displayed his punching power early, appearing to rock Dokonjonosuke and forcing the Japanese fighter to take the action to the ground immediately. After a number of scrambles, Edwards would up in a great position and acted quickly, locking in a tight armbar and securing the tap immediately.
3. vs. James Berto - EliteXC: Street Certified, February 16th 2008
With a debut win at Elite XC under his belt, Edwards was edging closer to a title shot against KJ Noons, however James Berto stood in his way before he could get that chance.
Berto threatened early in the first-round with a guillotine choke, but Edwards improved his position and he was able to land some heavy ground and pound for the majority of the opening exchanges. With 30 seconds left in the round the referee stood the fighters up and with Berto behind on the scorecards, he committed heavily for a single leg takedown.
The rest has been splashed on highlight reels ever since, with five seconds to go in the round, Edwards balanced himself on his standing leg before unleashing a brutal flying knee, knocking Berto out cold.
4. vs. Jeremy Stephens - UFC on FOX 5, December 8th 2012
At UFC on FOX 5, hardcore MMA fans knew they were in for a treat when Edwards stepped into the cage against Jeremy Stephens. Both men had made a living by demonstrating devastating striking and this one was always favoured to end quickly.
Stephens was looking to redeem himself following two tough defeats against Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone and it appeared he was searching for a one punch finish in the opening round.
Just as Stephens leant forward, swinging yet another thunderous right hook, Edwards slipped the punch and countered with a crushing hook of his own. Edwards dropped his opponent and finished the job with ferocious elbows, a win which sadly proved to the the 'Thugjitsu Masters' final triumph.
5. vs. Josh Thomson - UFC 49, August 21st 2004
Edwards has faced some of the best in the game over his illustrious career, but in 2004 when he defeated a young prospect in Josh Thomson, many didn't grasp just how impressive that achievement was, considering that just two years later Thomson went on to become the Strikeforce lightweight champion.
At the time, Thomson was undefeated as a mixed martial artist and with two UFC wins to his name, Thomson was in search of that win over a 'big name' fighter to elevate him into the title picture.
Thomson looked very comfortable in the first minute, slamming Edwards to the mat and then controlling him in the clinch for the majority of the round, but with seconds to go, Thomson looked to spin away from Edwards' back control, instead he was met by one of the most dynamic knockouts the UFC has ever witnessed.
Edwards caught Thomson unaware with a flying head kick and undoubtedly secured a spot on highlight reels for years to come.
So make sure you check out these fights on UFC Fight Pass and remember Yves Edwards in style.
After two decision defeats at the beginning of his UFC career, Edwards strung together three successive wins and at UFC 45 he notched a fourth on the bounce. Edwards welcomed Nick Agallar into the organisation and after an encouraging first round for Agallar, it became very clear in the second-round that Edwards was a league above his opponent in the striking department.
With Agallar on wobbly legs, Edwards connected with a clean superman punch, sending his opponent to the canvas and the relentless ground and pound that followed scored his first ever knockout victory in the UFC.
2. vs. Dokonjonosuke - PRIDE Bushido 7, May 22nd 2005
Edwards was on an impressive six fight win streak from November 21st 2003 to February 26th 2005. He would then look to extend his streak to seven at his PRIDE debut against Dokonjonosuke Mishima.
Mishima had won three straight, including a DEEP lightweight title victory, however it would be the Bahamian who emerged victorious in his first trip to Tokyo.
Edwards displayed his punching power early, appearing to rock Dokonjonosuke and forcing the Japanese fighter to take the action to the ground immediately. After a number of scrambles, Edwards would up in a great position and acted quickly, locking in a tight armbar and securing the tap immediately.
3. vs. James Berto - EliteXC: Street Certified, February 16th 2008
With a debut win at Elite XC under his belt, Edwards was edging closer to a title shot against KJ Noons, however James Berto stood in his way before he could get that chance.
Berto threatened early in the first-round with a guillotine choke, but Edwards improved his position and he was able to land some heavy ground and pound for the majority of the opening exchanges. With 30 seconds left in the round the referee stood the fighters up and with Berto behind on the scorecards, he committed heavily for a single leg takedown.
The rest has been splashed on highlight reels ever since, with five seconds to go in the round, Edwards balanced himself on his standing leg before unleashing a brutal flying knee, knocking Berto out cold.
4. vs. Jeremy Stephens - UFC on FOX 5, December 8th 2012
At UFC on FOX 5, hardcore MMA fans knew they were in for a treat when Edwards stepped into the cage against Jeremy Stephens. Both men had made a living by demonstrating devastating striking and this one was always favoured to end quickly.
Stephens was looking to redeem himself following two tough defeats against Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone and it appeared he was searching for a one punch finish in the opening round.
Just as Stephens leant forward, swinging yet another thunderous right hook, Edwards slipped the punch and countered with a crushing hook of his own. Edwards dropped his opponent and finished the job with ferocious elbows, a win which sadly proved to the the 'Thugjitsu Masters' final triumph.
5. vs. Josh Thomson - UFC 49, August 21st 2004
Edwards has faced some of the best in the game over his illustrious career, but in 2004 when he defeated a young prospect in Josh Thomson, many didn't grasp just how impressive that achievement was, considering that just two years later Thomson went on to become the Strikeforce lightweight champion.
At the time, Thomson was undefeated as a mixed martial artist and with two UFC wins to his name, Thomson was in search of that win over a 'big name' fighter to elevate him into the title picture.
Thomson looked very comfortable in the first minute, slamming Edwards to the mat and then controlling him in the clinch for the majority of the round, but with seconds to go, Thomson looked to spin away from Edwards' back control, instead he was met by one of the most dynamic knockouts the UFC has ever witnessed.
Edwards caught Thomson unaware with a flying head kick and undoubtedly secured a spot on highlight reels for years to come.
So make sure you check out these fights on UFC Fight Pass and remember Yves Edwards in style.
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