FABIAN EDWARDS plans to build an MMA gym with his brother Leon – in a bid to give back to the sport that saved them from a life of crime.
Edwards was born in Jamaica – growing up in a one bedroom wooden house until his family moved to England when he was seven and Leon nine.
They were raised in London – where their dad was brutally murdered in a nightclub in 2004 – before relocating to Birmingham.
Leon – a former UFC champion – started MMA aged 17 with his younger brother joining five years.
Edwards, only a year younger than Leon, admits MMA saved them from a life of crime in the gritty streets of Birmingham.
When Edwards joined the Professional Fighters League’s $500,000 three-stage tournament – he did so with the plan to build a gym of his own.
And after progressing through to the winner-take-all finale fight on Thursday against American Dalton Rosta – his dream is within touching distance.
Edwards, 33, told SunSport: “It’s still a plan, a gym, get a cafe.
“That’s it, to give back to the community and I guess to build something of your own is important because before you know it, I’ll be retiring and my brother will be retiring.
“The years will fly by pretty quick, so you still gotta do something for yourself.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Edwards admits to getting into trouble as a youngster – until MMA offered him refuge and a chance to turn his life around.
He said: “I find it strange because when I was a kid, I couldn’t envision myself being where I’m at today.
“This that wasn’t even a goal or a dream of mine to even fight. I was on the streets doing street s*** and that was it.
“So the fact that I’ve turned my life around and MMA is just gave me the discipline and focus.
“I do wanna show kids that’s came from my background, you can do it, whether it’s through MMA or through another way of life.”
Edwards beat former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay and Josh Silveira to reach the final in Florida.
But neither the championship belt or $500,000 (£350,000) will mean more than the accomplishment of being a role model in his hometown.
He said: “Yeah, definitely to be able to inspire someone and change someone’s life – even just one person – that’s a big thing.
“The belts, the money, it will go after a while. If you can make an impact on someone’s life that’s forever.”
Edwards left behind his two sons and baby daughter to travel over 4,000 miles to challenge Rosta.
But bringing back Stateside candy is far more important to his kids than the world title or cash prize.
Edwards chuckled: “They don’t give a s***, man! They’re like, ‘Dad, just bring me back some sweets!’
“All they know is I’m coming there to fight in America. And, ‘Dad, can you bring back some American sweets?’
“I’m like, ‘Alright mate!’ So that’s it. They don’t understand obviously the amount of work that I put in.
“They’ve got everything they wanted, MMA gave me so much.”