Yves Edwards

Yves Edwards
Born (1976-09-30) September 30, 1976
Nassau, Bahamas
Other names Thugjitsu Master
Nationality Bahamian
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division Lightweight
Welterweight
Reach 73.0 in (185 cm)[1]
Fighting out of The Woodlands, Texas, United States
Team American Top Team
The Revolution Dojo
Years active 1997–2014
Professional boxing record
Total 2
Wins 2
By knockout 2
Losses 0
Mixed martial arts record
Total 66
Wins 42
By knockout 16
By submission 17
By decision 9
Losses 22
By knockout 4
By submission 6
By decision 12
Draws 1
No contests 1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Yves Ed'duvill Edwards (born September 30, 1976) is a retired Bahamian mixed martial artist, who is perhaps best known for competing in the UFC's Lightweight division, fighting 21 times in the promotion. A professional competitor since 1997, he has also formerly competed for PRIDE, the WEC, Strikeforce, Bellator, EliteXC, King of the Cage, BodogFIGHT, the MFC, and HDNet Fights. He is known as the first person to ever knock out former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson.

Background

Edwards was born on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas and moved to Texas when he was 15 years old.[2] Edwards began training in traditional karate in his youth, moving on to Kung Fu before eventually taking up mixed martial arts. This also led him to Muay Thai in order to improve his stand-up. Like many aspiring martial artists, Edwards cites Hong Kong cinema as a formative influence:

"I've always liked the old Hong Kong flicks, and I was a big comic book fan: you know the superheroes, they were always big in my mind. Anything that will make me physically better than the average person, and teach me to do things that the average person can't do, I was game for it."[3]

Based in Houston since his teens, Edwards says he learned some grappling on a trip back home to the Bahamas at the age of 17, although "it wasn't as technical as it should have been, but it was better than not getting anything."[3] He is a well-rounded fighter, with a strong boxing background,[4] having also trained with Lewis Wood, a #6 WBA Featherweight boxer. This is in addition to his experience in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, of which he says "I've never worn a gi 'cause I've always been competing".

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Edwards made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 1997 and compiled a record of 18-5-1 before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting

Edwards made his UFC debut at UFC 33 against Matt Serra and was defeated via unanimous decision. He would then go 6-1 in his next seven appearances under the Zuffa banner.

At UFC 49, Edwards knocked out Josh Thomson by way of a spectacular flying head-kick. After the fight, commentator Mike Goldberg announced: "I will say right now, this kick has replaced Pete Williams on Mark Coleman as the greatest head kick knockout in UFC history." Due to the fact that the lightweight division had no current champion at the time, Edwards was regarded as "The Uncrowned Lightweight Champion of the UFC."

Post-UFC

After two wins in the EliteXC promotion, Edwards lost to EliteXC Lightweight Champion K.J. Noons via KO in the first round in June 2008, and lost a unanimous decision to Duane Ludwig at Strikeforce: Destruction.

He rebounded with a submission victory against James Warfield in September 2009, and most recently defeated Kyle Jensen by way of TKO in the first round. Yves followed up that victory the following February with an impressive quick TKO of fellow UFC veteran Derrick Noble.

Return to the UFC

Edwards returned to the UFC against John Gunderson on September 15, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 22, replacing Efrain Escudero who was promoted to the main card.[5] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Edwards was expected to face Melvin Guillard on January 22, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 23,[6] but Guillard was promoted to the main event against Evan Dunham after Kenny Florian was forced off the card with an injury.[7] Edwards then faced replacement Cody McKenzie on the card, and won via rear naked choke in the second round earning Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors.[8]

Edwards fought Sam Stout on June 11, 2011 at UFC 131 and was knocked out by an overhand left at 3:52 of the first round.[9]

Edwards defeated Rafaello Oliveira via second round TKO on October 1, 2011 at UFC on Versus 6.[10]

Edwards faced Tony Ferguson on December 3, 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.[11] Edwards lost a unanimous decision to Ferguson in a back and forth fight.

Edwards was expected to face Donald Cerrone at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier on May 15, 2012.[12] However, Edwards was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Jeremy Stephens.[13]

Edwards was expected to face Jeremy Stephens on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5.[14] However, the bout was cancelled due to Stephens being arrested on the day of the event for an assault charge that dates back to 2011.[15] The fight eventually took place on December 8, 2012 at UFC on Fox 5. Edwards won by knockout in the first round, being the first fighter to ever stop Stephens via strikes.

Edwards faced promotional newcomer Isaac Vallie-Flagg on February 2, 2013 at UFC 156.[16] He lost the fight via split decision.

Edwards was expected to face Spencer Fisher on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8.[17] However, on July 11, Fisher was removed from the bout due to injury and replaced by Daron Cruickshank.[18] He lost a split decision.

Edwards made his nineteenth UFC appearance when he took on Yancy Medeiros at UFC Fight For The Troops 3 on November 6, 2013.[19] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. The loss, however, was subsequently overturned to a No Contest when Medeiros tested positive for marijuana.[20]

Edwards was expected to face Piotr Hallmann at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014.[21] However, the bout was moved and took place on June 7, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 42 instead.[22] Edwards lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the third round.

Edwards faced Akbarh Arreola on November 22, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 57.[23] He lost the fight via armbar submission in the first round.

Retirement

Following the loss, Edwards announced his official retirement from mixed martial arts, closing out his career after seventeen years.[24] Edwards said on Facebook "Fighting has been a part of my life ever since I was 17 and that makes this a hard pill to swallow but it's time for me to end this chapter and move on to the next part of my life" [25]

Fighting style

Thugjitsu

The term "Thugjitsu" first emerged with Edwards, its proclaimed founder. Edwards was seen by many as an unorthodox fighter. This was exemplified by Edwards' flying head kick KO of Josh Thomson at UFC 49. Edwards' fighting style earnt him the title "Thugjitsu Master".

Edward defined Thugjitsu as:

The combination of every range of fighting and is the ultimate combat sport. Boxing, Thaiboxing, Wrestling and BJJ all play an equally important role in Thugjitsu; yet none of these arts is enough to be successful alone. A solid combination of two, three or more these and other arts help in the make-up of the complete fighter [26]

UFC Lightweight Dustin Poirier proclaimed himself to be a Thugjitsu practitioner in honour of Edward.

Influences

Edwards stated that UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten is his idol. Bas Rutten watched Edwards' third pro-MMA fight in 1998. Edwards defeated Tim Horton in the first round via TKO. Rutten was reputedly impressed. Edwards was invited by Rutten to spend time with him in his car. "Bas is always an awesome guy," said Edwards, "He's cool as hell. One of the nicest guys in the game."[27]

Personal life

Edwards has a daughter named Destiny Edwards-Pomares and a son named Yvan.[2]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 42–22–1 (1) Akbarh Arreola Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson November 22, 2014 1 1:52 Austin, Texas, United States
Loss 42–21–1 (1) Piotr Hallmann Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov June 7, 2014 3 2:31 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
NC 42–20–1 (1) Yancy Medeiros No Contest (overturned) UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 November 6, 2013 1 2:47 Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States Loss overturned; Medeiros tested positive for Marijuana
Loss 42–20–1 Daron Cruickshank Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga July 27, 2013 3 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Loss 42–19–1 Isaac Vallie-Flagg Decision (split) UFC 156 February 2, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 42–18–1 Jeremy Stephens KO (punches and elbows) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 2012 1 1:55 Seattle, Washington, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 41–18–1 Tony Ferguson Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale December 3, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 41–17–1 Rafaello Oliveira TKO (head kick and punches) UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson October 1, 2011 2 2:44 Washington, D.C., United States
Loss 40–17–1 Sam Stout KO (punch) UFC 131 June 11, 2011 1 3:52 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 40–16–1 Cody McKenzie Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC: Fight for the Troops 2 January 22, 2011 2 4:33 Fort Hood, Texas, United States Fight of the Night, Submission of the Night
Win 39–16–1 John Gunderson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares September 15, 2010 3 5:00 Austin, Texas, United States
Win 38–16–1 Luis Palomino Decision (unanimous) Bellator 24 August 12, 2010 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Loss 37–16–1 Mike Campbell Decision (unanimous) Moosin: God of Martial Arts May 21, 2010 3 5:00 Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Win 37–15–1 Derrick Noble TKO (punches) MFC 24 February 26, 2010 1 4:44 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 36–15–1 Kyle Jensen TKO (punches) Raging Wolf 5 October 10, 2009 1 2:44 Niagara Falls, New York, United States
Win 35–15–1 James Warfield Submission (triangle choke) Shine Fights 2: American Top Team vs. The World September 4, 2009 2 4:48 Miami, Florida, United States
Loss 34–15–1 Duane Ludwig Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Destruction November 21, 2008 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States 160 lb. Catchweight
Loss 34–14–1 K.J. Noons TKO (punches and elbows) EliteXC: Return of the King June 14, 2008 1 0:48 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States For EliteXC Lightweight Championship.
Win 34–13–1 James Edson Berto KO (flying knee) EliteXC: Street Certified February 16, 2008 1 4:56 Miami, Florida, United States
Win 33–13–1 Alonzo Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon December 15, 2007 2 3:04 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 32–13–1 Nick Gonzalez Submission (rear-naked choke) EliteXC: Renegade November 10, 2007 1 3:05 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
Loss 31–13–1 Jorge Masvidal KO (head kick) BodogFIGHT: Alvarez vs. Lee July 14, 2007 2 2:19 Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Loss 31–12–1 Mike Brown Decision (unanimous) BodogFIGHT: St Petersburg December 16, 2006 3 5:00 St. Petersburg, Russia
Loss 31–11–1 Joe Stevenson TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 61: Bitter Rivals July 8, 2006 2 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night; Doctor stoppage due to cut.
Win 31–10–1 Seichi Ikemoto Decision (unanimous) Pride - Bushido 10 April 2, 2006 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 30–10–1 Mark Hominick Submission (triangle armbar) UFC 58: USA vs. Canada March 4, 2006 2 1:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 30–9–1 Joachim Hansen Decision (split) PRIDE Bushido 9 September 25, 2005 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals
Win 30–8–1 Dokonjonosuke Mishima Submission (armbar) PRIDE Bushido 7 May 22, 2005 1 4:36 Tokyo, Japan
Win 29–8–1 Hermes França Decision (split) Euphoria: USA vs. World February 26, 2005 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 28–8–1 Naoyuki Kotani TKO (head kick and punches) Euphoria: Road to the Titles October 15, 2004 1 3:10 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 27–8–1 Josh Thomson KO (flying head kick and punches) UFC 49 August 21, 2004 1 4:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 26–8–1 Hermes Franca Decision (split) UFC 47 April 2, 2004 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–8–1 Deshaun Johnson Decision (unanimous) WEC 9 January 16, 2004 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 24–8–1 Nick Agallar TKO (punches) UFC 45 November 21, 2003 2 2:14 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 23–8–1 Tatsuya Kawajiri Decision (unanimous) Shooto - 8/10 in Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium August 10, 2003 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 23–7–1 Eddie Ruiz Decision (unanimous) UFC 43 June 6, 2003 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 22–7–1 Rich Clementi Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 41 February 28, 2003 3 4:07 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 21–7–1 Kohei Yasumi KO (punch) HOOKnSHOOT: New Wind September 7, 2002 1 1:20 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 20–7–1 Joao Marcos Pierini TKO (injury) UFC 37.5 June 22, 2002 1 1:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 19–7–1 Caol Uno Decision (unanimous) UFC 37 May 10, 2002 3 5:00 Bossier City, Louisiana, United States
Win 19–6–1 Kultar Gill Submission (heel hook) Shogun 1 December 15, 2001 2 2:49 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 18–6–1 Matt Serra Decision (majority) UFC 33 September 28, 2001 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Welterweight bout
Win 18–5–1 Aaron Riley Decision (unanimous) HOOKnSHOOT: Showdown July 14, 2001 3 5:00 Evansville, Indiana, United States Won HnS Middleweight Championship.[29]
Draw 17–5–1 C.J. Fernandes Draw HOOKnSHOOT: Masters May 26, 2001 3 5:00 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 17–5 Jeff Lindsay KO (punch) Renegades Extreme Fighting March 23, 2001 1 1:41 Texas, United States
Win 16–5 Bone Sayavonga Submission (rear-naked choke) Renegades Extreme Fighting March 23, 2001 1 1:04 Texas, United States
Loss 15–5 Jeremy Williams Decision (split) KOTC 7: Wet and Wild February 24, 2001 3 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 15–4 David Harris Submission (armbar) Bushido 1 January 18, 2001 1 1:15 Tempe, Arizona, United States
Win 14–4 Scott Bills TKO (punches) HOOKnSHOOT: Fusion November 18, 2000 1 4:31 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 13–4 Danny Bennett Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC 5: Cage Wars September 16, 2000 1 3:03 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 12–4 Pete Spratt Submission (triangle choke) Renegades Extreme Fighting July 15, 2000 1 Texas, United States
Win 11–4 Cedric Marks Submission (armbar) Extreme Shootout July 15, 2000 1 1:45 Texas, United States
Win 10–4 Andy Mockler TKO (punches) HOOKnSHOOT: Meltdown June 10, 2000 2 1:32 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Loss 9–4 Rumina Sato Submission (rear-naked choke) SuperBrawl 17 April 15, 2000 1 0:18 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 9–3 Stacy Coughlin TKO (punches) Armageddon 2 November 23, 1999 1 2:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 8–3 Aaron Riley Decision (unanimous) HOOKnSHOOT: Texas Heat October 2, 1999 1 20:00 Texas, United States
Win 7–3 Shannon Ritch Submission (rear-naked choke) Armageddon 1 August 23, 1999 1 2:39 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 6–3 Nate Marquardt Submission (heel hook) Bas Rutten Invitational 4 August 14, 1999 1 3:04 United States
Win 6–2 Anthony Holiday Submission (knees) Extreme Shootout June 25, 1999 1 1:08 McAllen, Texas, United States
Win 5–2 Thomas Denny Submission (verbal) West Coast NHB Championships 2 February 28, 1999 1 3:09 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 4–2 Louie Cercedez TKO (doctor stoppage) West Coast NHB Championships 1 December 8, 1998 1 3:38 Los Angeles, California, United States Doctor stoppage due to cut.
Loss 3–2 Fabiano Iha Submission (armbar) Extreme Challenge 22 November 21, 1998 1 3:56 West Valley City, Utah, United States
Win 3–1 Raphael Perlungher Submission (rear-naked choke) Power Ring Warriors November 7, 1998 1 3:25 Humble, Texas, United States
Win 2–1 Tim Horton TKO (punches) World Shoot Wrestling June 12, 1998 1 9:15 Pasadena, Texas, United States
Loss 1–1 Joe Hurley Decision (unanimous) World Pankration Championships 2 January 16, 1998 1 15:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 1–0 Todd Justice Submission (rear-naked choke) World Pankration Championships 1 October 26, 1997 1 5:46 Texas, United States

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Henderson vs. Khabilov". UFC.com. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  2. 1 2 "EDWARDS FEATURED IN HOUSTON CHRONICLE". ONZUKA.com. 2004-11-08. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  3. 1 2 "Archived copy". Archived from the original on August 29, 2006. Retrieved June 29, 2006.
  4. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved June 29, 2006.
  5. ↑ "Escudero vs. Wiman new UFN 22 co-headliner, Edwards vs. Gunderson on prelims". mmajunkie.com. August 18, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Melvin Guillard and Yves Edwards meet at Jan. 22 UFC event". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
  7. ↑ "Kenny Florian Injured, Melvin Guillard To Face Evan Dunham". heavy.com. Retrieved 2010-12-06.
  8. ↑ "Replacement Cody McKenzie meets Yves Edwards at UFC Fight Night 23". mmajunkie.com. December 7, 2010.
  9. ↑ "UFC 131 Play-by-Play: Sam Stout vs. Yves Edwards". MMAweekly.com. 2011-06-07.
  10. ↑ "UFC on Versus 6 Lands Yves Edwards vs. Rafaello Oliveira". MMAweekly.com. 2011-07-29.
  11. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson added to December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale". mmajunkie.com. October 21, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Donald Cerrone vs. Yves Edwards added to May's UFC on Fuel TV 3 event". MMAjunkie.com. February 8, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Edwards out, Stephens in against Cerrone at UFC on FUEL TV 3". MMAjunkie.com. February 27, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Yves Edwards to meet Jeremy Stephens at UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis". mmajunkie.com. August 1, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  15. ↑ Halvatzis Jr., George (2012-10-05). "Dana White tries to explain bizarre Jeremy Stephens arrest in Minnesota". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
  16. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg added to February's UFC 156 fight card". mmajunkie.com. January 7, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Spencer Fisher added to July's UFC on FOX 8 event". mmajunkie.com. 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  18. ↑ "Daron Cruickshank replaces Spencer Fisher, meets Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8". mmajunkie.com. 2013-07-11. Retrieved 2013-07-11.
  19. ↑ Dave Reid (2013-09-15). "Yves Edwards To Meet Yancy Medeiros At UFC Fight For The Troops 3". mmainsider.net. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Yancy Medeiros’ UFC Fight Night 31 win overturned due to failed drug test". MMAjunkie.com. 2014-02-11. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  21. ↑ "Piotr Hallman vs. Yves Edwards announced for UFC 173". MMAjunkie.com. 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  22. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Piotr Hallmann pushed back from UFC 173 to UFC Fight Night 43". MMAjunkie.com. 2014-04-01. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
  23. ↑ Jacob Cooper (2014-09-09). "Yves Edwards vs. Akbarh Arreola set for UFC Fight Night 57". fansided.com. Retrieved 2014-09-09.
  24. ↑ Marc Raimondi (2014-11-30). "UFC lightweight Yves Edwards announces retirement after 17-year MMA career". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
  25. ↑ "Salute: Yves Edwards Hangs Up His Thug-Jitsu". December 1, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Thugjitsu". December 23, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  27. ↑ Jonathan Snowden (July 30, 2010). "Community Interview: Questions Needed for Thugjitsu Innovator Yves Edwards". Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Yves Edwards - Official UFC® Fighter Profile". Ufc.com. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  29. ↑ "Hooknshoot: Showdownmma Returns To Evansville, Indiana | Full Contact Fighter". Fcfighter.com. 2001-06-29. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
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