PFL: Fabian Edwards ready to take on hometown hero in Madrid – with a surprising link to a care home and houseplants
As the PFL touches down in Madrid this weekend, all eyes are on the local hero – but his opponent, Fabian Edwards, is no stranger to hostile territory. 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 also bringing a story that mixes the grit of combat sports with genuine heart.
"I've always felt at home on the road"
Throughout his career, Edwards has frequently fought against the crowd. It's familiar territory. "Once I step in that cage, I don't hear the noise – I just lock in on my opponent and my own game plan," he says. That mindset has carried him through countless tough battles, and in Madrid, he plans to flip the home-field advantage on its head again. The local fans might be electric, but Edwards has weapons that go beyond the physical.
A care home, houseplants, and caregiving – the softer side of a fighter
When Edwards isn't training or prepping for a fight, he spends time at the care home his mum runs in their local community. "Mum's always wanted to help others, and I've been part of that since I was a kid. It taught me patience and empathy – qualities you actually need in the cage," Edwards shares. He visits the home weekly to chat with residents and sometimes lends a hand with daily tasks. "It keeps things in perspective: the world doesn't just revolve around wins and losses."
His other passion? Houseplants. Edwards' flat is filled with greenery, all cared for by him. "Tending to plants calms my mind. They don't ask for much, but they give back so much. It's meditation, pure and simple." He's even started a small website sharing tips on indoor plant care – a hobby that's surprised many of his followers. "A lot of people think a fighter's life is all about bashing, but really, you need balance. Plants are a big part of my balance."
Edwards is also actively involved in conversations around caregiving and home care. Someone close to him needs ongoing support, and he's been a caregiver himself. "It's tough but rewarding work. These services are stretched thin in the UK, and I want to use my platform to highlight how important they are." He works with local charities and supports campaigns aimed at helping caregivers cope with the demands.
Three things that make Edwards a different kind of athlete
- Growing up in a care home – being around people taught him to listen and read the room, skills that translate to the cage.
- His plant hobby – brings peace of mind and aids recovery after intense training.
- Experience as a caregiver – built mental resilience and the ability to handle pressure.
Facing the lion of Madrid – and free coverage 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 cool and capitalise on every chance." The fight is part of the PFL's European tour, and it's being streamed live for free on several sports media websites – making it easy for Kiwi fans to catch all the action from their couch.
While Edwards is used to hostile crowds, he admits that a trip to Madrid is always special. "Spanish fans live and breathe this sport. They bring out the best in both me and my opponent." And even though the talk inside the cage is fierce, Edwards' heart always has room for the softer stuff – the care home, the plants, and the cause of better support for caregivers. They're what make him not just a dangerous opponent, but a person with a story that hits home.