Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Each week this column provides insight and information on the most important stories in the fighting world.
Less than two weeks ago, Adly Edwards snatched his seventh straight win in the cage.
Absolutely technical, it took Josh Harvey just over four minutes to finish his XMMA 4 card opponent on April 2 in New Orleans – even less time than it took him to pack his bags for the trip.
After the fight, Edwards had one priority: getting home to his pregnant wife and their two daughters.
“We found out that my wife Maggie was literally pregnant the day before we had that fight,” Edwards said. “The first three months were tough for her, but she was very supportive during my training. This whole camp, I said, ‘Once this fight is over, it’s all about you.'”
With the MMA saga on hold after that fight, Edwards enjoyed the idea of spending extended time with his family. There was a trip to the beach with his two daughters, and a date-worthy gender reveal party at his parents’ home. During the holiday-themed celebration, he learned that his wife was carrying a child. As he attacked his piece of cake with buttercream—his wife got the good stuff—Edwards had a fleeting thought. Without a fight until August or September, and no need to gain weight, the timing was perfect for increased size and growth.
Then, within what seemed like a blink of an eye, his manager called.
Jeremy Kennedy withdrew from Bellator 277.
Rookie player Aaron Biko needed a discount on his star-studded 277 card, one that includes the likes of AJ McKee and Vadim Nemkov.
Just like that, it was time for Edwards to pack his bags – this time for a chance he’s been scratching and clawing his whole life to seize.
“I’m on board,” said Edwards (9-1), who fought Biko at featherweight on Friday. “It’s what I’ve always wanted. I’m really excited to grow with Bellator, and I’m ready to start off with a big hit.”
The 25-year-old Biko is one of the best rising stars in the sport. Edwards thinks that description fits him perfectly, too.
“I’m not going to come for the show money,” Edwards said. “I’m here to raise my hand. I’m coming to get a W.”
Accepting the fight just eight days ago, the past few days have been a dervish of constant chaos for Edwards, who has been training furiously to make up for lost time.
Go to follow
“The logistics, like travel and medical services, were more stressful than the fight itself,” said Edwards, who is in the bout and is an astronomical underdog. “Ideally, I’d go into a full camp to fight. That’s okay. I know people are already preparing me, but I’m a fighter. I’m excited. This is my chance to show the world what I can do.”
Beko (9-3) just re-signed with Bellator, and there are few heavyweights in the world with more raw skills or capabilities. A very skilled wrestler and striker, an easy prediction is that Biko takes out his 32-year-old opponent.
However, that is not how Edwards envisions it.
“A lot of people would be surprised,” Edwards said. “We have the strategy and technique to go out and win this fight.”
On the verge of stepping into the spotlight even brighter than he had faced before, Edwards remained ruthless in his preparations. As he strives to climb new heights and do the unimaginable, he’s been holding fast to who he’s fighting for on Friday night.
“This fight is for my wife and children,” Edwards said. “This is more important than anything else. For me, it’s all about my family.”
Hamza Shemayev on a collision course with Colby Covington
Khazamat Shemayev wants a fight against Colby Covington.
Good luck to him.
Chimaev went to fight in the cage last Saturday in an epic showdown with Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. The fight went too far, and there were moments when Chimaev struggled to stay alive. The closing sequence of Round Two was a show for Burns, who nearly drowned out the supposedly unstoppable Chemayev with some fierce shots at the skull.
The thought of treating Shimaev Burns like a rag doll, as he had done in his last fight against Li Jingliang, soon became unrealistic. This does not mean that Shemayev cannot compete against top competitors. He won the fight by unanimous decision and was in control of a large part of it. But Chemayev is not the second coming of Jon Jones. Burns has exposed his holes, and the fight against Covington will be an entirely different mystery to be solved. This is an elite opponent, and Chimayev cannot move easily.
Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns earned Fight of the Night awards at UFC 273.
Courtesy of UFC
Camaro Usman is the best middleweight in the world. Not far from Covington, who possesses a rare combination of wrestling and strength. The heart is also a distinctive feature of Covington. Chemayev will need to evolve in the cage to defeat the top five opponents, and there is no better test for him than Covington.
This will also be an important fight for Covington. Having already lost twice to Usman, he’s in a strange position – probably better than anyone else in the division, but not near the top of the list for a third title. After Jorge Masvidal was kicked into the cage, Covington summoned Dustin Poirier to the fight. So far, Pourier has absolutely no interest in that fight, which is a weak view of Covington.
A win over Shemayev, 27, would be a positive exit for Covington. Covington’s last four wins, dating back to October 2017, have been against older opponents. Demian Maya (39 at the time), Rafael dos Anjos (33), Robbie Lawler (37), Tyrone Woodley (38), and Masvidal (37) make up that list – clearly no rising power quite like Shemaev. If Covington wins this fight, it will be hard to argue that he does not deserve another title chance.
I prefer Covington a bit against Shemayev. If that happens, it will be a decisive battle in determining the number one contender in the division.
Selection section:
Here are my picks for the UFC Fight Night main event and Bellator 277:
UFC Fight Night welterweight main event: Vicente Luque vs Belal Muhammad
picking Bilal Muhammed |
Bellator 277 Featherweight Match: AG McKee (c) vs. Patricio Pitbull
picking AJ Maki
Bellator 277 Light Heavyweight Match: Vadim Nemkov (c) vs. Corey Anderson
picking Vadim Nemkov
Bellator 277 Featherweight Match: Aaron Biko vs. Adly Edwards
picking Adly Edwards
Bellator 277 Light Heavyweight Match: Rafael Carvalho vs. Dovlitzan Yagchimuradov
picking Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
last week: 4-1
2022 record: 48-17
more MMA coverage:
• Vadim Nemkov on representing Russia at Bellator 277: keep sports out of politics
• Q&A: Alexander Volkanovsky talks about his latest title defense at UFC 273 and what’s next
Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @Justin Parasoo.