The master of “Thugjitsu” began his career way back in 1997 when the sport of MMA was in its infancy. Edwards won his 1st professional bout by RNC over Todd Justice, and 17 years later, lost his final fight against Akbarh Arreola in the UFC.
Yves has long been known as a “class act” and one of the best examples of what a MMA fighter should be as a human being. In an article published by Duane Finley said this about Edwards:
“Despite a trove of documented video evidence and an impressive highlight reel to prove otherwise, the American Top Team product is slow to give himself credit for anything more than being a fighter who has consistently shown up to do his job. While the majority of his peers would be quick to admit to pioneering any aspect of the sport, Edwards’ modesty and downright humble nature refuse to allow him to categorize himself anywhere near the word exceptional.”
A long time member and trainer/coach over at American Top Team, Edwards crafted a career all over the world fighting for Pankration, HooknShoot, King of the Cage, Shooto, Bodog, Elite XC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Pride FC, and competed for the Zuffa for the first time at UFC 33 in 2001, against Matt Serra. In his initial run with the world’s #1 MMA promotion, Yves went 6-2 and faced Josh Thomson at UFC 49, for what then, was the people’s Lightweight Championship. The UFC did not have a 155 title at the time, but both men were widely considered the best two fighters in their weight class in the world. The master of “Thugjitsu” KO’d the “Punk” with a flying head kick that is still considered one of, if not the, greatest head kick knockouts of all time! The highlight is still shown today at UFC events. The UFC then did away with the Lightweight class and Edwards went on the road to continue his journey in MMA.
Yves traveled and trained with legend Bas Rutton and best friend Mike Thomas Brown. His travels were all the more impactful when you remember Edwards did this for the love of the game, and was one of the few men who competed in the beginnings of MMA, all the way through to today’s modern. How many fighters from his time are still around today, and how many remained as relevant as he did? He came from a time when combat sports fans traded VHS tapes from small gyms in unknown countries. He was also one of the initial men who showed the transformation from one particular skill set (i.e. karate, or Jiu-Jistu) to blending all the martial arts into one finely honed killing machine.
The truth of the matter, though it will not be reflected in the record books, is that Yves Edwards was the first UFC Lightweight Champion, and one of the best human beings the world has to offer. MMAFO personally enjoyed watching Yves exciting style and career in almost its entirety, and remember fondly thinking, “this is my guy,” as he became a perennial favorite.
Mr. Edwards, you will be missed, and thank you for all the great memories you gave us throughout your illustrious career.
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