Bellator 259 Update: Fabian Edwards vs. Austin Vanderford Targeted for May 21 Event

Fabian Edwards is likely to face Austin Vanderford in a middleweight tilt at Bellator 259.

Sherdog.com confirmed that the pairing is in the works with a source close to the situation following reports from ESPN and MMAjunkie.com. Bellator 259 takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on May 21 and is headlined by a women’s featherweight championship bout between Cristiane Justino and Leslie Smith.

Edwards, the younger brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards, began his pro career with nine straight victories before dropping a split decision to Costello van Steenis in his last outing at Bellator Milan last September. “The Assassin” had kicked off his Bellator tenure with four victories prior to that defeat.

Vanderford, meanwhile, is 10-0 in his professional career — including four triumphs within the California-based promotion. The 31-year-old Gracie Barra Portland representative is coming off a unanimous decision win over Vinicius de Jesus at Bellator 251 this past November.