PFL: Fabian Edwards Ready to Take on Home Favourite in Madrid – With a Surprising Link to a Care Home and Houseplants
As the PFL descends on Madrid this weekend, all eyes will be on the local hero – but his opponent, Fabian Edwards, is no stranger to a hostile environment. The Birmingham native has spent years taking on fan favourites in their own backyards, and Saturday will be no different. But this time, he's bringing more than just his fists to Spain; he's bringing a story that blends the grit of combat sports with the warmth of everyday life.
"I've Always Felt at Home on Unfamiliar Turf"
Throughout his career, Edwards has frequently fought against the tide of a home crowd. It's familiar territory, as he puts it: "When I step into that cage, I don't hear the noise – I just focus on the opponent and my own game." This mindset has carried him through countless tight battles, and in Madrid, he aims to turn home advantage on its head once again. The local crowd might be in a frenzy, but Edwards possesses weapons that go beyond physical prowess.
A Care Home, Houseplants, and Home Care – The Softer Side of a Fighter
When Edwards isn't training or preparing for fights, he spends time at a care home run by his mother in a suburb of Birmingham. "My mum always wanted to help those less fortunate, and I've been involved in it since I was a kid. It's taught me patience and compassion – qualities you definitely need inside the cage," Edwards explains. He visits the care home weekly to chat with residents and sometimes helps out with daily tasks. "It gives you perspective: the world doesn't just revolve around wins and losses."
His other passion is houseplants. Edwards's home is filled with greenery that he tends to himself. "Tinkering with plants calms my mind. They don't ask for anything, but they give so much back. It's meditation at its finest." He's even set up a small website where he shares tips on indoor plant care – a hobby that has surprised many of his followers. "A lot of people think a fighter's life is just about hitting things, but in reality, you need balance. Plants are a part of my balance."
Edwards is also actively involved in discussions around home care and family caregiving. Someone close to him requires constant assistance, and Edwards has personally taken on the role of a caregiver. "It's tough but rewarding work. These services are under real strain in the UK and Ireland, and I want to use my small platform to highlight how important they are." He collaborates with local charities and supports campaigns aimed at helping caregivers manage and sustain their efforts.
Three Things That Make Edwards an Unusual Athlete
- Raised in a Care Home – growing up in a people-focused environment taught him to listen and read the room, skills that translate directly to the cage.
- His Plant Hobby – provides peace of mind and aids recovery from intense training sessions.
- Experience as a Caregiver – has strengthened his mental resilience and ability to handle pressure.
Facing Madrid's Lion – And a Free Broadcast on Multiple Platforms
Saturday's opponent is nearly unbeatable in his home cage, but Edwards has a plan. "He's tough, but I've seen holes. The key is to stay calm and capitalise on every opportunity." The fight is part of the PFL's European tour, and it will be streamed live for free on various sports media platforms online. In Ireland, the broadcast is easily accessible via the internet, offering a handy way to catch top-level action from your own sofa.
Though Edwards is accustomed to hostile environments, he admits that a trip to Madrid is always special. "Spanish fans live and breathe the sport. It brings out the best in both me and my opponent." And while the language inside the cage is brutal, Edwards's heart always has room for softer values – the care home, the houseplants, and the importance of home care. They make him not just a dangerous opponent, but a person with a story that resonates.