Christian Edwards will look to extend his undefeated record to five consecutive wins at Bellator 261. He’ll attempt to do so against a short-notice opponent: Simon Biyong, who stepped up during fight week to replace Ben Parrish.
Edwards (4-0) was briefly scheduled to face Ben Parrish on Bellator 259 but was forced out of the bout after he was not medically cleared to fight. The Mohegan Sun Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation pulled the bout from the card after an irregularity with his heartbeat.
“At first I was pretty hurt about it because it was the best I ever felt in any camp I’ve ever had. I was really looking forward to competing and moving up the rankings,” said Edwards on the medical evaluation resulting in the cancellation of the bout. “Everything happens for a reason so eventually I was able to recuperate and understand that it is going to happen eventually. My rise to the title is inevitable and patience is a virtue.”
Edwards’ confidence comes from his surroundings in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He trains out of Jackson Wink MMA Academy which is the home of several former Champions including Jon Jones and Holly Holm.
“It’s definitely a humbling experience. I know that I have so much room to grow and evolve as a fighter. Looking at them and seeing how far they have come from early in their career until now, it is inspiring. If that is how much they have improved in their career, imagine how much I can improve,” said Edwards on teammates Jon Jones and Arlene Blencowe.
“[Being surrounded by fighters of that caliber] is humbling because it means I have a lot of work to do if I want to be one of the best ever.”
The proof is in the pudding for the Oklahoma native. In just four professional appearances, he has amassed a 4-0 record which includes three stoppages. Prior to going pro, he had earned three consecutive victories on the amateur circuit.
At only 22 years old, Edwards has his sights set well beyond Friday night. When asked about the coveted 0 that still remains on his unblemished record, Edwards mentions he anticipates it remaining there for the foreseeable future.
“It definitely means something [to have an undefeated record]. I want to stay undefeated for my whole career if I can. I want to retire undefeated if possible.”
Christian Edwards will be facing Simon Biyong at Bellator 261 this Friday. The event will be airing live on Showtime and takes place in Uncasville, CT.
For more from Christian Edwards, here’s his Bellator 261 virtual media scrum:
