Former UFC star Tyson Pedro will make switch to boxing after retiring from MMA
Exclusive: The 11-fight UFC veteran will swap the cage for the ring later this year
Tyson Pedro isn’t done fighting despite calling time on his UFC career.
The former UFC light heavyweight announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following his defeat to Vitor Petrino last weekend.
Pedro, 32, leaves the sport with a professional MMA record of 10-5. All but four of his pro bouts have been under the UFC banner. Pedro fought a murderers’ row of opponents at 205lbs, including Petrino, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Ovince Saint Preux, Paul Craig, Ilir Latifi and Modestas Bukauskas.
His decision to retire was largely influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family rather than solely due to financial concerns.
"It's been on my mind a little bit lately, mainly just being away from my daughter," Pedro said.
"You put in all the costs, put on the costs to my family, probably just can't do it anymore with the [tax] deductions and the loss of the fight tonight, I'm probably going to have to rob someone in the car park."
But Pedro isn't ready to stop competing just yet as he plans to swap the cage for the boxing ring.
A source told MMA ANZ that Danny Green has agreed a broadcast deal with Stan Sport, with Pedro set to be confirmed as his marquee signing.
The agreement guarantees a minimum of 12 televised cards which will be shown exclusively live on the streaming service.
It is a move that could shake up the Australian boxing scene, which currently has Angelo Di Carlo tied up with 7plus and George Rose on Kayo Sports.
No date has been set for when Pedro will make his debut, but it is expected to happen some time later this year.
He has also got himself a part on the new Gladiators show on Network 10, according to the source, which is a reboot of the original franchise.
In case you missed it
Team spirit: Inside the mind of Scrappy MMA head coach Ben Vickers
It’s all over: Alexander Volkanovski loses UFC featherweight title after brutal knockout
Enter the dragon: The Welshman who dreams of UFC glory after becoming a MMA champion in Australia
Stay up to date
Follow @MMA_ANZ on Twitter for the latest news, interviews and features. Do you know somebody who would enjoy this newsletter? Ask them to sign up here.