Cage Warriors is returning this Saturday with their biggest card of the year. Cage Warriors will be heading to the capital London on July 20th 2024 for Cage Warriors 174. The bantamweight Prize Fighter tournament will be on the card as well as Jordan Vucenic, Ger Harris, Rhi Rhi Hudson. Another prospect on the card is Craig Edwards who is coming into this fight currently holding a 4 fight winning streak. Combat Sports UK was able to speak to Craig Edwards to find out what he is thinking going into this fight against Sergio Gavinelli.
Craig Edwards on His Last Fight
Craig Edwards is coming into this fight after being able to defeat Junior Orgulho last time out. Edwards was able to get the stoppage victory as Junior Orgulho wasn’t able to start round 3 and retired after the 2nd round. I was curious to see how Craig Edwards thought that fight went and what improvements he has made going into this fight this Saturday. Craig Edwards responded by saying;
“That fight was a good challenge and something I’m glad I went through to get the victory. Since then I have built upon my skill set in several areas and polished up some techniques.”
Craig Edwards has revealed that this fight was a challenging encounter however is glad to come out of the fight on the right end. Not all fights and victories are going to be easy and some fights are going to be tough and being able to get the victory is something special knowing what you had to go through to get it. Since that fight there hasn’t just been one or two improvements however, there are multiple things which have improved. While Craig Edwards has been able to get a 4 fight winning streak this could be the best Craig Edwards we are going to see on Saturday.
Success in Fight
I was wondering during that victory against Junior Orgulho what was the biggest success in that fight. While he was able to get the victory. I was curious if there was anything Craig Edwards thought he did particularly well. Speaking about his success in that fight Craig explained;
“I think I displayed a well rounded skill set but found success in my striking during that fight and was able to hurt my opponent.”
Craig Edwards believes he was able to showcase all his skills during that fight instead of one thing in particular. However, while he was able to showcase everything he did highlight his striking as the best thing he was able to do. Craig was able to hurt his opponent enough to make sure he didn’t want to keep fighting and in the end made sure he didn’t get up after the 2nd round.
Training Camp for Upcoming Fight
Before a fight, a fighter will go into a training camp to try and prepare for the fight coming up. This is during training camp a fighter can watch tape and come up with a game plan to try and get a victory. During training camp, they will work on things that their opponent is weak on as well as making sure to cover any holes of his own game as well. Training camp is crucial to make sure everything is correct going into the fight and I was able to ask Craig Edwards about how his training camp has been in preparation for this fight. Craig revealed how his training camp has been and the weaknesses he has seen in Sergio by saying;
“Sergio I’m sure will be well rounded like everybody is these days. Thankfully this training camp has been great. I am well prepared to put all my skills to the test.”
Craig Edwards feels he is well prepared going into this fight while saying Sergio is a very well-rounded fighter. Edwards believes everyone is well-rounded nowadays however, he believes this camp has been able to help prepare for this. Edwards will be hoping he can execute the plan correctly to be able to leave with the victory.
How Does Craig Edwards See This Fight Going and a Prediction?
Going into a fight a fighter might have an idea of how the fight is going. While this may not be exactly how the fight will go like what Zack Borrego said about his past fight each fighter will have an idea. I was able to ask Craig how he believed this fight was going to go and if he had a prediction. Explaining what he thought Craig Edwards explained;
“I’m gonna finish this lad. Gonna beat him up everywhere and show my class.”
Craig Edwards is confident he is going to go out there and be able to get the victory. He isn’t planning on going to the judge’s scorecards and he believes he will be able to get another stoppage victory. It doesn’t matter where this fight will end up Craig Edwards is ready to be able to showcase his abilities and get the victory no matter how it comes.
Next Opponent
Going into a fight a fighter may have some kind of idea of who is next for them. This could be a call out they are wanting or maybe they have been talking either before this fight or over the last couple of months or years. I was curious to see if there was anyone on the mind of Craig Edwards and if there was anyone he wanted to call out. Speaking about his plans Craig Edwards explained;
“I’m just here for a good time, brother.”
Craig Edwards isn’t bothered about who is next he just wants the best possible fight. Craig Edwards is just here in the fight game to be able to have a good time and is looking to have a good fight next time around. He doesn’t matter who is next and doesn’t have a name in mind but won’t decline a fight he is just here for a good fight.
Moving Weight Classes
Fighters normally stick to one weight class however, it is not uncommon for a fighter to change weight classes. This could be down to several reasons. Some of these reasons include always having a hard weight cut or an easy weight cut. If they are struggling to make weight they may move up a weight class so they are not damaging their bodies as much. However, if they are having an easy weight cut they may move down a weight class to try and get a power advantage. Craig Edwards started his career off as a lightweight and has now moved up to the welterweight division. I was curious to hear if this is his natural weight division and how it has gone. Explaining this he has explained;
“Welterweight is a much more natural weight class for me, especially now I’ve grown into it. I feel much better for moving up.”
Craig Edwards is feeling a lot better for moving up in weight. This will definitely help Edwards going into the fights as he doesn’t have to lose as much weight so isn’t draining himself as much. This should be able to help him showcase his ability and be able to show his skills and get the victory.
2nd Chance in Cage Warriors
Craig Edwards will be making his Cage Warriors debut for a 2nd time when he enters the octagon this weekend. This is due to Craig Edwards making the walk for a 2nd stint. Unfortunately, during the first time he was in Cage Warriors he went 1-3 and then went and fought for other promotions. He was able to go away and improve and has been able to make his way back into Cage Warriors to make that walk once again. I was able to ask Craig Edwards what he has improved on since the last time he fought for Cage Warriors. I also asked if he believes this is his time for success with the company. Explaining what he fought he said;
“I am confident to come back and right some wrongs on Cage Warriors. I’ve spent several years developing my game to now be the best version of myself to date.”
Craig Edwards believes he will be able to right the wrongs from the last time he was in Cage Warriors. He has been able to go away and develop his skills and has improved overall as a fighter. He is ready to make the walk this Saturday and show people a new side of his game and be able to show his true ability.
Craig Edwards on Handling Pressure
I was able to try and work out how Craig Edwards is able to cope and handle the pressure from Fight Week as well as the pressure from fans. As fans we want the fighter to go out there and make a highlight reel stoppage. However, we want this going into every fight and this can’t always be the case. Sometimes there are times when a fighter may want to just hold and go to the distance or sometimes a fighter just won’t get the finish. So being able to get the highlight reel stoppage is not always possible and they need to make sure they aren’t leaving themself vulnerable to caught either. Explaining how he deals with the pressure Craig Edwards explained;
“I’ve learned to take fight week in my stride as much as possible and enjoy myself.”
Craig Edwards just treats fight week as a normal week and doesn’t try and take it out of proportion. While some fighters may get the nerves heading into a fight this isn’t the case here and Craig just goes about his business in a normal manner. Craig will try and keep the nerves down and go out on Saturday and get the win
Featured Image Credit via Embed from Craig Edwards Instagram
