Mixed-martial arts returns to South Florida on Friday night when Shine Fight Promotions presents American Top Team vs. The World, a 10-fight card at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami.

One of the featured fighters is Yves Edwards, a 32-year-old veteran of 50 fights whose career has taken him through some of the best MMA organizations in the world, including Elite XC, Strikeforce, PRIDE and, of course, UFC.

Edwards, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, will fight James Warfield (15-3) in a lightweight bout. Edwards believes his big-fight experience will be the difference.

``It always comes into play when you get deep into the fight,'' Edwards said. ``My opponent has a good record, but he hasn't gone past the second round in any of his fights. The experience factor may also play a big role early in the fight as well. It'll be a big part of this match.''

For a big chunk of his career, Edwards was a force in the lightweight division. He has defeated Pete Spratt, Eddie Ruiz, Hermes Franca (twice), and Nick Agallar; however, Edwards (34-15-1) has lost his past two fights, one by knockout to Karl Noons and last November to Duane Ludwig.

``With [Noons] I just got caught early and that was that, but I felt I won my fight versus Ludwig,'' Edwards said. ``I found out that night I had a fractured orbital, but I fought through it and did everything I was capable of doing. I felt I did enough to win. I can't fight the judges though, so I'm going out there and doing my best.

``I don't feel there's anybody in this game better than me, so that's what I'm set on doing.''

If Edwards wins Friday, he could be back in the mix at 155 pounds. He wants to have a good showing against Warfield, then wait for his next opportunity that could be right around the corner.

``My goal is to fight and beat the best guys in the sport,'' Edwards said. ``I'd definitely want to get back to the UFC because a lot of the best guys are there, but there's other good guys in other places as well.

``I want to leave this game having been the best guy, and whatever it takes I'll make that sacrifice to do it -- UFC, Strikeforce, whatever.''

Having had such a positive trajectory in the sport, Edwards is usually looked on for advice from up-and-coming talent in the sport. The Woodlands, Texas, resident is flattered, but he says it also depresses him a bit.

``It makes me feel old,'' Edwards said with a laugh. ``My good friend Eddie Alvarez calls me to ask me questions before some of his fights, and that's an honor. These guys are the future of the sport and for them to look up to me is a big deal.''

As for his prediction on the fight, Edwards said: ``This is going to be an explosive performance. I'm going to outclass my opponent in every aspect of the game. For the fans, don't blink, because this fight could end at any time.''

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