Leon Edwards expects brother Fabian to join him in the UFC within a year

Leon Edwards’ younger brother, Fabian, has been turning a lot of heads on the European scene with his performances under the BAMMA banner.

After a stellar amateur career, the younger Edwards brother opened his pro account with three consecutive wins with BAMMA in 2017. The Birmingham middleweight scored a highlight-reel knockout over Rafal Cejrowski to announce himself in the pro ranks, before submitting Aaron Kennedy and Louis King.

Based on his brother’s trajectory, older brother Leon thinks Fabian will join him in the UFC within a year.

“I think he’ll be knocking on the door this time next year,” Edwards told MMA Fighting.

“He’s running through everyone on BAMMA’s books right now. I did the same thing and I went on to get the belt. I think he’ll get himself a belt with BAMMA and then he’ll get signed to the UFC.

“Early next year sounds about right to me. I really don’t expect anyone on the Irish or UK scene to be able to beat him.”

Edwards believes that his younger sibling will benefit from seeing how he has progressed from the European scene to the world stage.

“I think it will help him a lot. He can look at the situation I’m in and know it’s possible for him to accomplish the same things,” he explained. “It’s a lot easier for him, I think.

“Really, when I started out I didn’t have anyone that was that close to me that I could try to follow the steps that they made on the scene. He knows now that if he gets that BAMMA belt, he’ll be in a really good position to come over to the UFC. I hope it gives him some motivation to get to the top. I know he’s capable of it.”

Edwards noted that it would beneficial for both he and Fabian’s career if they’re competing under the same banner. As far as he is concerned, he and Fabian are “the most well-rounded brothers in the whole sport”.

“I think it will help both of us if we’re both in the UFC,” Edwards said. “It has helped other brothers in terms of marketability. Honestly, I feel like we’re the most well-rounded brothers in the whole sport.

“I expect to be in the top five by the end of the year, so I think it would be perfect for him to come in and join me over here at the beginning of 2019.”