Joselyne Edwards

Joselyne Edwards (born September 29, 1995) is a Panamanian mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Edwards started boxing when she was 13 years old, and after four years of boxing, she started doing MMA when she was 17. She had seen the UFC on TV in her home of Panama City, but she did not know a gym that taught it. She then started doing jiu-jitsu and after six months debuted in MMA.

Early career
Edwards compiled a 9–2 record on the regional scene, winning the UCC Women's Bantamweight Championship in her homeland of Panama and defending it twice. In 2018, she moved to her camp to America where she defeated former Bellator fighter Jessica Middleton via TKO on May 18, 2018, at The Fight Series. She would then defeat highly touted prospect Brenda Gonzales at KOTC: Aggressive Lifestyle on September 1, 2018, via armbar, in the process winning the KOTC Bantamweight Championship. Afterwards, she competed against fellow future UFC fighter Sarah Alpar for the LFA Women's Bantamweight Championship at LFA 55, losing the close bout via split decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Edwards, as a replacement for Bethe Correia, faced Wu Yanan on January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar. She won the bout via unanimous decision.

Edwards, as a replacement for Nicco Montaño, faced Karol Rosa on February 6, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov. Edwards lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Edwards was scheduled to face Zarah Fairn Dos Santos on August 28, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze. However, the contest was cancelled in late July as Edwards was removed from the event in favor of another bout.

Edwards faced Jessica-Rose Clark at UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori on October 23, 2021. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Edwards faced Ramona Pascual on June 11, 2022, at UFC 275. She won the fight via unanimous decision. 11 out of 16 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Pascual.

In a quick turnaround, Edwards replaced an injured Mariya Agapova to face Ji Yeon Kim at UFC 277 on July 9, 2022. At the weigh-ins, Edwards weighed in at 137.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit and was fined 20% of her purse, which went to her opponent Kim. She won the fight via split decision.

Edwards faced Lucie Pudilová on April 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 44. At the weigh-ins, Edwards weighed in at 136.5 pounds, half a pound over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. Consequently, Edwards was fined 20% of her purse, which was awarded to Pudilová. She won the fight via a controversial split decision. Cageside commentators Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping, and Brendan Fitzgerald all expressed shock that Edwards was declared the winner, with numerous media outlets also scoring the fight in favor of Pudilová.

Edwards faced Nora Cornolle on September 2, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 226. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Edwards faced Ailín Pérez on June 1, 2024, at UFC 302. She lost the fight again by unanimous decision.

Altercation with Ailín Pérez
Before UFC Fight Night 232, Edward and Ailín Pérez allegedly had an altercation for unknown reasons.

Championships and accomplishments

 * King of the Cage
 * KOTC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
 * Ultimate Combat Challenge
 * UCC Women's Bantamweight Championship (One time)
 * Two successful title defenses