UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Christian Edwards doesn’t have the resumé of Jon Jones but he took one small step in his mentor’s path Thursday.
Taking on American Top Team Portland’s Hamza Salim on the Bellator 249 prelims, Edwards (4-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) showed poise, aggression, and speed in the opening round.
In Round 2, Edwards took the fight back to the mat, where he had success in the opening round. From there, Edwards was able to work a choke and get the tap.
The win was Edwards’ first career submission victory and his third finish in four fights.
Edwards, 21, trains out of Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M. and has been taken under the wing of the former UFC light heavyweight champion Jones. As recently as last week, Jones invited Edwards to his house to watch video and study for a fight against Salim (5-4 MMA, 0-2 BMMA).
Bellator 249 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main aired on CBS Sports Network after prelims on CBSSports.com.
