Introduction
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. 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:
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." He is a well-rounded fighter, with a strong boxing background, 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. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Edwards was expected to face Melvin Guillard on January 22, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 23, but Guillard was promoted to the main event against Evan Dunham after Kenny Florian was forced off the card with an injury. 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.
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.
Edwards defeated Rafaello Oliveira via second round TKO on October 1, 2011 at UFC on Versus 6.
Edwards faced Tony Ferguson on December 3, 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. 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. However, Edwards was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Jeremy Stephens.
Edwards was expected to face Jeremy Stephens on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5. 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. 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. He lost the fight via split decision.
Edwards was expected to face Spencer Fisher on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8. However, on July 11, Fisher was removed from the bout due to injury and replaced by Daron Cruickshank. 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. 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.
Edwards was expected to face Piotr Hallmann at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014. However, the bout was moved and took place on June 7, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 42 instead. 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. He lost the fight via armbar submission in the first round.
Following the loss, Edwards announced his official retirement from mixed martial arts, closing out his career after seventeen years.
Personal life
Edwards has a daughter named Destiny Edwards-Pomares and a son named Yvan.
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (Two time) vs. Joe Stevenson; Cody McKenzie
- Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Jeremy Stephens
- Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Cody McKenzie
- HOOKnSHOOT
- HnS Middleweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 66 matches | 42 wins | 22 losses |
| By knockout | 16 | 4 |
| By submission | 17 | 6 |
| By decision | 9 | 12 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| 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 | 000000002014-11-22-0000November 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 | 000000002014-06-07-0000June 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 | 000000002013-11-06-0000November 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 | 000000002013-07-27-0000July 27, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Seattle, Washington, United States | |
| Loss | 42–19–1 | Isaac Vallie-Flagg | Decision (split) | UFC 156 | 000000002013-02-02-0000February 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 | 000000002012-12-08-0000December 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 | 000000002011-12-03-0000December 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 | 000000002011-10-01-0000October 1, 2011 | 2 | 2:44 | Washington, D.C., United States | |
| Loss | 40–17–1 | Sam Stout | KO (punch) | UFC 131 | 000000002011-06-11-0000June 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 | 000000002011-01-22-0000January 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 | 000000002010-09-15-0000September 15, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Austin, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 38–16–1 | Luis Palomino | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 24 | 000000002010-08-12-0000August 12, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | |
| Loss | 37–16–1 | Mike Campbell | Decision (unanimous) | Moosin: God of Martial Arts | 000000002010-05-21-0000May 21, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Win | 37–15–1 | Derrick Noble | TKO (punches) | MFC 24 | 000000002010-02-26-0000February 26, 2010 | 1 | 4:44 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 36–15–1 | Kyle Jensen | TKO (punches) | Raging Wolf 5 | 000000002009-10-10-0000October 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 | 000000002009-09-04-0000September 4, 2009 | 2 | 4:48 | Miami, Florida, United States | |
| Loss | 34–15–1 | Duane Ludwig | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Destruction | 000000002008-11-21-0000November 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 | 000000002008-06-14-0000June 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 | 000000002008-02-16-0000February 16, 2008 | 1 | 4:56 | Miami, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 33–13–1 | Alonzo Martinez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon | 000000002007-12-15-0000December 15, 2007 | 2 | 3:04 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 32–13–1 | Nick Gonzalez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | EliteXC: Renegade | 000000002007-11-10-0000November 10, 2007 | 1 | 3:05 | Corpus Christi, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 31–13–1 | Jorge Masvidal | KO (head kick) | BodogFIGHT: Alvarez vs. Lee | 000000002007-07-14-0000July 14, 2007 | 2 | 2:19 | Trenton, New Jersey, United States | |
| Loss | 31–12–1 | Mike Brown | Decision (unanimous) | BodogFIGHT: St Petersburg | 000000002006-12-16-0000December 16, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | St. Petersburg, Russia | |
| Loss | 31–11–1 | Joe Stevenson | TKO (doctor stoppage) | UFC 61: Bitter Rivals | 000000002006-07-08-0000July 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 | 000000002006-04-02-0000April 2, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 30–10–1 | Mark Hominick | Submission (triangle armbar) | UFC 58: USA vs. Canada | 000000002006-03-04-0000March 4, 2006 | 2 | 1:52 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 30–9–1 | Joachim Hansen | Decision (split) | PRIDE Bushido 9 | 000000002005-09-25-0000September 25, 2005 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals |
| Win | 30–8–1 | Dokonjonosuke Mishima | Submission (armbar) | PRIDE Bushido 7 | 000000002005-05-22-0000May 22, 2005 | 1 | 4:36 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 29–8–1 | Hermes França | Decision (split) | Euphoria: USA vs. World | 000000002005-02-26-0000February 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 | 000000002004-10-15-0000October 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 | 000000002004-08-21-0000August 21, 2004 | 1 | 4:32 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 26–8–1 | Hermes Franca | Decision (split) | UFC 47 | 000000002004-04-02-0000April 2, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 25–8–1 | Deshaun Johnson | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 9 | 000000002004-01-16-0000January 16, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 24–8–1 | Nick Agallar | TKO (punches) | UFC 45 | 000000002003-11-21-0000November 21, 2003 | 2 | 2:14 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 23–8–1 | Tatsuya Kawajiri | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto - 8/10 in Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium | 000000002003-08-10-0000August 10, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Yokohama, Japan | |
| Win | 23–7–1 | Eddie Ruiz | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 43 | 000000002003-06-06-0000June 6, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 22–7–1 | Rich Clementi | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 41 | 000000002003-02-28-0000February 28, 2003 | 3 | 4:07 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 21–7–1 | Kohei Yasumi | KO (punch) | HOOKnSHOOT: New Wind | 000000002002-09-07-0000September 7, 2002 | 1 | 1:20 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 20–7–1 | Joao Marcos Pierini | TKO (injury) | UFC 37.5 | 000000002002-06-22-0000June 22, 2002 | 1 | 1:19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 19–7–1 | Caol Uno | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 37 | 000000002002-05-10-0000May 10, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Bossier City, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 19–6–1 | Kultar Gill | Submission (heel hook) | Shogun 1 | 000000002001-12-15-0000December 15, 2001 | 2 | 2:49 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Loss | 18–6–1 | Matt Serra | Decision (majority) | UFC 33 | 000000002001-09-28-0000September 28, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Welterweight bout |
| Win | 18–5–1 | Aaron Riley | Decision (unanimous) | HOOKnSHOOT: Showdown | 000000002001-07-14-0000July 14, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | Won HnS Middleweight Championship. |
| Draw | 17–5–1 | C.J. Fernandes | Draw | HOOKnSHOOT: Masters | 000000002001-05-26-0000May 26, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 17–5 | Jeff Lindsay | KO (punch) | Renegades Extreme Fighting | 000000002001-03-23-0000March 23, 2001 | 1 | 1:41 | Texas, United States | |
| Win | 16–5 | Bone Sayavonga | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Renegades Extreme Fighting | 000000002001-03-23-0000March 23, 2001 | 1 | 1:04 | Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 15–5 | Jeremy Williams | Decision (split) | KOTC 7: Wet and Wild | 000000002001-02-24-0000February 24, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Win | 15–4 | David Harris | Submission (armbar) | Bushido 1 | 000000002001-01-18-0000January 18, 2001 | 1 | 1:15 | Tempe, Arizona, United States | |
| Win | 14–4 | Scott Bills | TKO (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: Fusion | 000000002000-11-18-0000November 18, 2000 | 1 | 4:31 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 13–4 | Danny Bennett | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KOTC 5: Cage Wars | 000000002000-09-16-0000September 16, 2000 | 1 | 3:03 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Win | 12–4 | Pete Spratt | Submission (triangle choke) | Renegades Extreme Fighting | 000000002000-07-15-0000July 15, 2000 | 1 | Texas, United States | ||
| Win | 11–4 | Cedric Marks | Submission (armbar) | Extreme Shootout | 000000002000-07-15-0000July 15, 2000 | 1 | 1:45 | Texas, United States | |
| Win | 10–4 | Andy Mockler | TKO (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: Meltdown | 000000002000-06-10-0000June 10, 2000 | 2 | 1:32 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 9–4 | Rumina Sato | Submission (rear-naked choke) | SuperBrawl 17 | 000000002000-04-15-0000April 15, 2000 | 1 | 0:18 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 9–3 | Stacy Coughlin | TKO (punches) | Armageddon 2 | 000000001999-11-23-0000November 23, 1999 | 1 | 2:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 8–3 | Aaron Riley | Decision (unanimous) | HOOKnSHOOT: Texas Heat | 000000001999-10-02-0000October 2, 1999 | 1 | 20:00 | Texas, United States | |
| Win | 7–3 | Shannon Ritch | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Armageddon 1 | 000000001999-08-23-0000August 23, 1999 | 1 | 2:39 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 6–3 | Nate Marquardt | Submission (heel hook) | Bas Rutten Invitational 4 | 000000001999-08-14-0000August 14, 1999 | 1 | 3:04 | United States | |
| Win | 6–2 | Anthony Holiday | Submission (knees) | Extreme Shootout | 000000001999-06-25-0000June 25, 1999 | 1 | 1:08 | McAllen, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 5–2 | Thomas Denny | Submission (verbal) | West Coast NHB Championships 2 | 000000001999-02-28-0000February 28, 1999 | 1 | 3:09 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Win | 4–2 | Louie Cercedez | TKO (doctor stoppage) | West Coast NHB Championships 1 | 000000001998-12-08-0000December 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 | 000000001998-11-21-0000November 21, 1998 | 1 | 3:56 | West Valley City, Utah, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Raphael Perlungher | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Power Ring Warriors | 000000001998-11-07-0000November 7, 1998 | 1 | 3:25 | Humble, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Tim Horton | TKO (punches) | World Shoot Wrestling | 000000001998-06-12-0000June 12, 1998 | 1 | 9:15 | Pasadena, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 1–1 | Joe Hurley | Decision (unanimous) | World Pankration Championships 2 | 000000001998-01-16-0000January 16, 1998 | 1 | 15:00 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Todd Justice | Submission (rear-naked choke) | World Pankration Championships 1 | 000000001997-10-26-0000October 26, 1997 | 1 | 5:46 | Texas, United States |