British cage warrior Fabian Edwards put up a sterling performance on Friday in front of his home fans by knocking out MMA legend Lyoto Machida in the co-main event of Bellator 281 at O2 Arena in London.
Machida started the fight on a good note with a classic methodical pacing, but Edwards was able to adjust immediately by connecting a short elbow upon exit of the clinch. The shot visibly put Machida in a dangerous position as he was sent moving back to regain his bearings.
However, it proved to be the only opening Edwards needed as he pushed forward and unleashed more punches, including a strong left hook that sent Machida to the canvas.
Edwards delivered vicious follow-up punches in the next sequence resulting in the referee stopping the fight at the 3:18 mark of the opening round.
Edwards snapped a two-fight losing streak with the impressive knockout win to improve to 10-2 (win-loss), while the former UFC light heavyweight champion Machida, who suffered his first stoppage loss in Bellator, dropped to 26-12.
