Justin Edwards wants 'TUF 25: Redemption' shot to prove he's more than just a regional fighter

“The Ultimate Fighter” returns tonight, and the new season comes with a special theme: “Redemption.”

The show is filled with fighters who once appeared on it – even some past winners. But after some tumbles for some, they’re getting another chance at greatness on the show with a $250,000 prize at the end.

Justin Edwards is one of those fighters. He fought on Season 13 of the show, but a 2-5 career mark in the UFC had him looking for new fight gigs after he was released in 2015. On “TUF 25,” Edwards gets his chance at redemption.

“I did a lot of things really well to get to the UFC, and I got away from it once I got there because I wanted to fight smart,” Edwards recently told MMAjunkie. “I think I kind of held back. I’m known for being an aggressive figher, and I was really holding back the whole time.”

Edwards fought just once a year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and his three straight losses were enough to get him bounced from the promotion.

But the Ohio native maintains he has more to offer than just being a fighter for regional promotions. He believes he belongs in the UFC, and he wants to use “TUF 25” to prove it.

“If I go out and don’t make it this time, it’s not because I held back,” Edwards said. “It’s because I went out on my own terms.”

What will “TUF 25” have in store for Edwards? Check out the video above to hear more from him.

Then don’t miss the season’s debut episode tonight at 10 p.m. ET on FS1. And watch MMAjunkie for weekly recaps of each episode, as well as video recaps featuring fighters and coaches the day after each episode.

And for more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.