Joselyne Edwards, born Joselyne Edwards Laboriel on September 29, 1995, in Panama City, Panama, is an up-and-coming Panamanian mixed martial artist. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 135 lbs, Edwards competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and years of experience in boxing and MMA, she has made a name for herself in the combat sports world.
Early Career and Championships
Joselyne Edwards’s journey in combat sports began at a young age, starting with boxing training when she was only 13 years old. The skills she developed in the ring would later become a strong foundation for her success in mixed martial arts (MMA). At the age of 17, Edwards made her MMA debut and wasted no time in making her mark on the regional scene.
Edwards quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the UCC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in Panama. She defended her title not once, but twice, showcasing her dominance in the cage. Her impressive performances caught the attention of the MMA community, paving the way for even greater opportunities.
In 2018, Edwards relocated her training camp to the United States, eager to take the next step in her career. She continued to prove herself on the international stage, winning the KOTC Bantamweight Championship with a stunning armbar victory over Brenda Gonzales. Edwards also competed for the LFA Women’s Bantamweight Championship, demonstrating her determination and skills in a closely contested bout against Sarah Alpar.UFC Career and Notable Fights
Joselyne Edwards made her highly-anticipated debut in the UFC in January 2021, stepping in as a replacement for Bethe Correia. She faced Wu Yanan at UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar and wasted no time making her mark in the promotion. With her superior striking and grappling skills, Edwards emerged victorious with a dominant unanimous decision win.
Continuing her UFC journey, Edwards faced Karol Rosa at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov. Despite displaying her technical prowess and tenacity, Edwards suffered her first UFC loss in a closely contested unanimous decision. This setback, however, did not deter her spirit, as she remained determined to prove herself among the best in her division.
Throughout her UFC career, Edwards has faced formidable opponents, including Sarah Alpar, Ji Yeon Kim, and Nora Cornolle. Each fight has showcased her versatility and hunger to succeed. In a thrilling match against Ramona Pascual, Edwards displayed her ability to adapt and strategize, securing a well-deserved victory. Another notable fight was against Lucie Pudilová, where Edwards showcased her resilience and skill in a controversial split decision win.
UFC on ESPN
Edwards’s journey in the UFC has been marked by memorable moments, with each fight contributing to her growth as a fighter. Whether competing in UFC on ABC, UFC Fight Night, or UFC on ESPN, she consistently demonstrates her determination, resilience, and passion for the sport.
- UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar – Defeated Wu Yanan via unanimous decision
- UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov – Lost to Karol Rosa via unanimous decision
- UFC on ESPN: Rodriguez vs. Waterson – Defeated Ramona Pascual via unanimous decision
- UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs. Kattar – Defeated Ji Yeon Kim via unanimous decision
- UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker – Defeated Lucie Pudilová via split decision
Challenges and Growth
Despite her impressive achievements in the world of MMA, Joselyne Edwards has not been immune to challenges throughout her career. One issue that has plagued her is weight struggles. Edwards has faced difficulties in making weight for some of her fights, resulting in penalties and drawing criticism from both fans and pundits. This has undoubtedly been a setback for her, as the ability to make weight is a crucial aspect of a fighter’s preparation and performance.
In addition to weight issues, Edwards has also found herself at the center of controversy surrounding her performance in the octagon. A recent split decision victory over Lucie Pudilová created a stir among media outlets and commentators, with many expressing surprise at the judges’ decision. While controversy is not uncommon in combat sports, it can be a challenging experience for any athlete to navigate and can impact their reputation.
The Future Holds
As Joselyne Edwards continues her journey in the UFC, the future looks promising for this rising star in the Bantamweight division. With her recent performances catching the attention of fans and analysts alike, Edwards is positioning herself as a formidable contender in the MMA world.
While specific future fights have yet to be announced, the anticipation is building for Edwards’ next appearance in the octagon. Whether it’s in UFC Fight Night or the highly anticipated UFC 277 event, fans are eagerly awaiting to see her back in action.
With her sights set on the top, Edwards has aspirations for a UFC title. Her dedication, talent, and ongoing improvements make her a force to be reckoned with in her weight class. As she continues to train and evolve as a fighter, it’s only a matter of time before she emerges as a legitimate title contender.
