Yves Edwards Announces Retirement From Fighting After 17 Years
After 17 years and an incredible 66 fights, 38-year-old UFC lightweight Yves Edwards has announced his retirement from competitive mixed martial arts.
Edwards, who was known for his flashy striking ability, made it official on Facebook by thanking all of the people that had helped him along his lengthy fighting journey:
The “Thugjitsu Master” was last seen losing to Akbarh Arreola by submission at November 22’s UFC Fight Night 57. The loss was Edwards’ fifth in his last seven bouts, as he had not won a fight since finishing Jeremy Stephens back at UFC on FOX 5 in late 2012.
Edwards fought some of the best lightweights the sport has ever seen, and that includes competition from every era of the sport’s young history. He’ll always be best remembered for his exciting flying head kick knockout of former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson at UFC 49 in 2004.
Edwards first made his Octagon debut in 2001. He also fought for a long list of other promotions such as Pride, Bellator, WEC, and Strikeforce. Training out of American Top Team in Florida, Edwards’ experience could become an integral part of their coaching staff.
Although he never attained the rank of champion, Edwards will be remembered as an extremely exciting and resilient competitor who never backed down from a challenge.
