Yves Edwards facts for kids

Yves Edwards, born on September 30, 1976, is a retired mixed martial artist from the Bahamas. He is famous for fighting in the UFC's Lightweight division. He competed in many top fighting organizations like PRIDE, WEC, and Strikeforce. In 2004, he was even ranked as the best Lightweight fighter in the world.

Early Life and Training

Edwards was born in New Providence, Bahamas. When he was 14, he moved to Texas. He started training in traditional karate when he was young. Later, he learned Kung Fu and then moved on to mixed martial arts. He also studied Muay Thai to improve his standing punches and kicks.

Edwards loved old Hong Kong cinema movies and comic books. He said he wanted to learn things that most people couldn't do. He learned some grappling moves in the Bahamas when he was 17. Edwards is a well-rounded fighter. He has a strong background in boxing and also trained in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

Starting His Career

Edwards began his professional mixed martial arts career in 1997. He had a record of 18 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw before joining the UFC.

Fighting in the UFC and WEC

Edwards made his UFC debut at UFC 33. He fought Matt Serra but lost by decision. After that, he won 6 of his next 7 fights in the UFC.

At UFC 49, Edwards knocked out Josh Thomson with an amazing flying head-kick. At that time, the Lightweight division had no champion. So, many people called Edwards "The Uncrowned Lightweight Champion of the UFC."

After His First UFC Run

After leaving the UFC, Edwards won two fights in the EliteXC organization. However, he then lost to K. J. Noons in June 2008. He also lost a fight to Duane Ludwig at Strikeforce: Destruction.

Edwards bounced back with a submission win in September 2009. He then won two more fights by TKO.

Returning to the UFC

Edwards came back to the UFC on September 15, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 22. He won that fight against John Gunderson by decision.

In January 2011, Edwards fought Cody McKenzie at UFC Fight Night 23. He won by a rear-naked choke in the second round. This fight earned him "Fight of the Night" and "Submission of the Night" awards.

Edwards faced Sam Stout at UFC 131 in June 2011. He was knocked out in the first round. Later, he defeated Rafaello Oliveira by TKO in October 2011.

At The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale in December 2011, Edwards lost to Tony Ferguson by decision.

In December 2012, Edwards finally fought Jeremy Stephens at UFC on Fox 5. Edwards won by knockout in the first round. He was the first fighter to ever stop Stephens with strikes.

Edwards lost his next three fights in the UFC. One loss to Yancy Medeiros was later changed to a "no contest." This means the fight result was canceled.

His last UFC fight was in November 2014 against Akbarh Arreola. He lost by armbar submission.

Retirement from Fighting

After his last fight, Edwards announced he was retiring from mixed martial arts. He had been fighting for 17 years. He said on Facebook that fighting had been a big part of his life. He was ready to start a new chapter. Yves Edwards is the only fighter to have competed in UFC, PRIDE, WEC, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Fighting Style: Thugjitsu

What is Thugjitsu?

The word "Thugjitsu" was first used by Yves Edwards, who created this unique style. Many people saw Edwards as an unusual fighter. A great example of this was his flying head kick knockout of Josh Thomson at UFC 49. Because of his fighting style, Edwards earned the nickname "Thugjitsu Master."

Edwards described Thugjitsu as a mix of all fighting styles. He said it combines boxing, Thaiboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He believed that no single style was enough on its own. A good mix of different arts makes a complete fighter.

UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has also said he is a Thugjitsu fighter, honoring Edwards.

Who Inspired Him?

Edwards has said that UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten is his idol. Bas Rutten watched Edwards' third professional MMA fight in 1998. Edwards said Bas Rutten was always a great and friendly person.

Personal Life

Yves Edwards has a daughter and a son.

Film and TV Appearances

Yves Edwards has also worked in movies and on TV. He has been an actor and a stunt performer.

Movies and Documentaries

Television Shows

Awards and Achievements

Yves Edwards earned several awards during his fighting career:

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (Two times) for his fights against Joe Stevenson and Cody McKenzie
  • Knockout of the Night (One time) for his knockout of Jeremy Stephens
  • Submission of the Night (One time) for his submission win against Cody McKenzie
• HOOKnSHOOT
  • HnS Middleweight Championship (One time)

Mixed Martial Arts Record