PFL News & FeaturesPreview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 7: Semifinals
Edwards vs. Silveira
All
Professional Fighters League finals will be set following
PFL 2025 World Tournament 7 this Friday at Wintrust Arena in
Chicago. There, the PFL SmartCage hosts semifinals in the
middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
Former Bellator MMA middleweight title contender Fabian Edwards looks to inch closer to another world title shot with a win over Joshua Silveira in the headliner, while. Phil Davis hopes to prove that age is just a number against the surging Sullivan Cauley in the co-main event. Outside of tournament action, ex-Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis makes his return against former teammate Raufeon Stots. With a host of other semifinal matchups on tap, it figures to be a night to remember.
Now to the PFL 2025 World Tournament 7 preview:
Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+
Edwards entered the tournament with numerous questions to answer. After falling short of the Bellator middleweight title twice, many wondered what the ceiling was for Leon Edwards’ little brother. “The Assassin” has already beaten several top Bellator middleweights, but he has never been viewed as a dominant force. Was he in a class above the PFL’s top middleweights, or would the tournament prove that he was simply a middle of the pack-type of fighter? Edwards quieted a ton of doubters with a demoralizing second-round technical knockout win over Impa Kasanganay in the quarterfinals and established his spot as a potential favorite to win the middleweight tournament, but will Silveira allow him to shine? Kasanganay miscalculated how sharp the Englishman could be on his feet, but Silveira isn’t likely to make the same mistake. Silveira has advanced in the PFL tournament four times, but he has never claimed the championship. The American Top Team standout is one of the PFL’s most well-rounded threats, but he is often on the wrong end of the scorecard. He has never been finished and comes out of the gate strong but struggles with fighters who excel in the clinch. Silveira has technically sound striking and wrestling but can be neutralized on the inside by a fighter with good knees and elbows.
If Silveira wants the blueprint to beat Edwards, he only needs to ask his teammate. Johnny Eblen defended his Bellator middleweight title against Edwards twice by maintaining constant pressure and forcing him to wrestle off the cage. Eblen disguised his shots with constant level changes and timed Edwards’ counters brilliantly. Silveira thrives at this, but he should be wary of Edwards’ precision. Despite his slow starts, Edwards can turn a fight on its head with one strike and is always dangerous, even when he looks like he’s at a disadvantage. If Silveira maintains constant pressure but values his control time, he should be able to neutralize Edwards’ kickboxing and outwork him to a decision.
Jump To »
Edwards vs. Silveira
Davis vs. Cauley
Pettis vs. Stots
Rosta vs. Jeffery
Carlos Jr. vs. Powell
The Prelims
Former Bellator MMA middleweight title contender Fabian Edwards looks to inch closer to another world title shot with a win over Joshua Silveira in the headliner, while. Phil Davis hopes to prove that age is just a number against the surging Sullivan Cauley in the co-main event. Outside of tournament action, ex-Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis makes his return against former teammate Raufeon Stots. With a host of other semifinal matchups on tap, it figures to be a night to remember.
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PFL Middleweight Semifinals
Fabian Edwards (14-4, 1-1 PFL) vs. Joshua Silveira (14-4, 7-4 PFL)Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+
Edwards entered the tournament with numerous questions to answer. After falling short of the Bellator middleweight title twice, many wondered what the ceiling was for Leon Edwards’ little brother. “The Assassin” has already beaten several top Bellator middleweights, but he has never been viewed as a dominant force. Was he in a class above the PFL’s top middleweights, or would the tournament prove that he was simply a middle of the pack-type of fighter? Edwards quieted a ton of doubters with a demoralizing second-round technical knockout win over Impa Kasanganay in the quarterfinals and established his spot as a potential favorite to win the middleweight tournament, but will Silveira allow him to shine? Kasanganay miscalculated how sharp the Englishman could be on his feet, but Silveira isn’t likely to make the same mistake. Silveira has advanced in the PFL tournament four times, but he has never claimed the championship. The American Top Team standout is one of the PFL’s most well-rounded threats, but he is often on the wrong end of the scorecard. He has never been finished and comes out of the gate strong but struggles with fighters who excel in the clinch. Silveira has technically sound striking and wrestling but can be neutralized on the inside by a fighter with good knees and elbows.
If Silveira wants the blueprint to beat Edwards, he only needs to ask his teammate. Johnny Eblen defended his Bellator middleweight title against Edwards twice by maintaining constant pressure and forcing him to wrestle off the cage. Eblen disguised his shots with constant level changes and timed Edwards’ counters brilliantly. Silveira thrives at this, but he should be wary of Edwards’ precision. Despite his slow starts, Edwards can turn a fight on its head with one strike and is always dangerous, even when he looks like he’s at a disadvantage. If Silveira maintains constant pressure but values his control time, he should be able to neutralize Edwards’ kickboxing and outwork him to a decision.
Jump To »
Edwards vs. Silveira
Davis vs. Cauley
Pettis vs. Stots
Rosta vs. Jeffery
Carlos Jr. vs. Powell
The Prelims
« Previous PFL World Tournament 7 Preview | The Sheehan Show
Next PFL 2025 World Tournament One to Watch: Fabian Edwards »
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