Fabian Edwards: Expect Violence in Bellator 296 Headliner Against Gegard Mousasi

Fabian Edwards talks with the press ahead of his bout Friday in Paris at Bellator 296.

On the similarities between van Steenis and Mousasi: “I believe they’re very similar. I’ve grown a lot from that fight.”

On brother Leon Edwards: “Leon’s here, and Leon always helps. For this camp, I’ve had the same coaches around. Everyone pulled together, and we’ve had a good game plan; a good training camp. I’ve been focusing on what I need to do, developing my game, and making sure I’m fit.”

On his road to this main event: “It’s always good to know your path, rather than random fights. BELLATOR gave me the path, and I’m on the way to getting that belt.”

On champion Johnny Eblen’s press conference quotes: “I didn’t make nothing [of it], ‘cuz when I see him around the hotel, he doesn’t say anything to me. So, I don’t make anything of his energy.”

On his tense face-off with Mousasi during fight week: “I’m just letting him know that I’m here, and I don’t fear him one bit.” “After I win this fight, I will be shouting for a Birmingham show, and let’s hope they can make it happen.”

“I’m calm. Very, very calm considering it’s a main event. I think it’s all the work that I’ve done. I know everyone says, ‘It’s been the best camp’ and all that, but I’m in good shape. I’m not suffering. I ate jellybeans yesterday. That’s down to my preparation these last weeks.”

“There’s always violence when I’m in there. I’m smart and calculated, but there’s always violence. We’ll see when I put Mousasi in there, if he can take the damage. I’m going to bring that violence. Me and my team see a lot of holes we can exploit. That’s the beauty of this game. On Friday night, we get a chance to really do it. Put on the gloves and let them do the talking.”

On him and Leon being the best MMA siblings ever if he wins the title: “I’m trying to make that history, and I’m two steps away from it. Friday night, after I do my job, I’m one step away. When I bring that belt home, no one can say otherwise. I don’t think it’s been done at the same time in different promotions. When I get that belt, we can say that — definitely.”

On taking out legends in BELLATOR: “Who can say they’ve got [Lyoto] Machida and Mousasi on their record? I’ve already finished this one. Whether I finish another, we’ll see on Friday night. But I’m going to win. I just believe my 100% is better than his 100%.”