It’s common practice for 21-year-olds celebrate their birthday by taking shots. Bellator light heavyweight [autotag]Christian Edwards[/autotag], however, elected to commemorate his by handing out a huge one.
In his second professional bout at Friday’s Bellator 233, Edwards (2-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA), who turned 21 on Nov. 5, sent shockwaves through the MMA world when he head-kicked Cesar Bennett into the shadow realm just 16 seconds into the opening round.
No follow-up shots were necessary, as an unconscious Bennett turned stiff upon impact. His head crashed against the canvas as he toppled backwards.
The knockout appeared everywhere from WorldStar HipHop to SportsCenter and beyond. With one swift punt to the jaw, Edwards achieved internet virality.
.@JonnyBones protégé Christian Edwards needed just *16 seconds* to move to 3-0 with this brutal KO. 🔥 #Bellator233 @BellatorMMA pic.twitter.com/Mprk2Zfq3v
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) November 9, 2019
Four days later, Edwards still hasn’t fully grasped the scope of his highlight-reel finish. However, the JacksonWink product fully appreciates all of the support he’s received. The recognition is a representation of his hard work and how far he’s come to get to where he is.
“It’s a pretty humbling feeling,” Edwards told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “I didn’t really come from much. I grew up struggling a little bit. So it’s nice to actually be recognized for something for a chance. It’s nice. I like it a lot and I think I can get used to this.”
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In his two pro fights, both of which have taken place in Bellator, Edwards has racked up finish victories in a combined 70 seconds. Regardless of whether it’s a quick finish or a hard-fought decision, Edwards’ main goal is to win. That said, Edwards admitted quick stoppages add value to his name.
“I definitely think (they) increase my value as a fighter. Now that I’m 2-0. Both first-round finishes. Both in less than a minute. I think it increases my value as a fighter.”
Edwards hopes Bellator will feel comfortable with allowing him to branch outside of competing strictly in his home state of Oklahoma going forward. With more events for him to potentially compete on, Edwards feels confident the frequency of his fights will increase, too.
“I guess I’d be okay with one more fight in Oklahoma because that is my home state and I love it,” Edwards said. “But after one more, I want to fight somewhere else. I want to travel the world a little bit. Maybe fight wherever they have cards coming up – maybe Hawaii.”
“Ideally, me as a fighter, I want to fight at least three or four times a year,” Edwards continued. “We’ll see what the future holds, but hopefully that’s in the not-so-distant future. We’ll see.”
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