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Interview:
Tyson Pedro, Mixed Martial Artist (UFC) - 10th May
2017
Profiles
UFC
MMA
Sports
When
and how did you great your break in the MMA world?
In
2013 I had my first MMA pro fight in Queensland against
Charlie Ngaheu and it was a first round knockout…think
it was like within the first minute . So then on I
knew I was good at something…lol
Do
we understand correctly that when you were a youngster
you got into a few scuffles, and then you discovered
you have a talent for giving and taking punches?
I
grew up around Mix Martial Arts, My Dad was always
involved in all areas, so me and my other siblings
would always play in the back yard wrestling and sparring
since we were kids, so I guess its just natural and
fun for me. I guess Its like kids kicking a footy
ball in the backyard...
When
did you get signed by the UFC, and what was the key
to getting signed up by the world's leading MMA company?
It
was just last November 2016 I had debuted into UFC,
I manage to get on the card in Melbourne as they were
looking for a spot to fill then I had my brother n
law, Tai Tuivasa who is also signed with UFC and he
had his manager, Zen Ginnen get me on. Now he’s
also my manager which was amazing since I hadn’t
had many pro fights but my last few fights were quick
finishes against the best in the local pro division.
What's
your current professional fight record? a. As a MMA
fighter? b. As a boxer?
a.
6-0 b.6-0
What
was it about MMA that first drew you attention, and
what you you find most satisfying today about the
sport?
I
found MMA interesting than most other sports as I
find its the most challenging, think of every type
of combat sport then put it in to one… its like
the old Martial Art Movies when you see fighters from
around the world bringing their own styles and seeing
who’s the best. Now its a reality and become
mainstream! its satisfying to see MMA is the fasting
growing sport in the world.
Where
you do current train, and what's a concise rundown
of your training session?
When
at home in Sydney I'm at the Lions High Performance
Centre in West Sydney then leading into a fight for
Camp I'd head over to Jacksons Wink MMA Academy in
Albuquerque US to do at least 4-6 weeks there. Its
awesome learning from them as they have so many high
profiled fighters and number of Champions such as
Jon Jones, Holly Holm, Andrei Arlovski, Donald Cerrone
list goes on...
Other
than yourself, who is your favorite mixed martial
artist?
I have a few but like most fighters would say Fedor
Emelianenko.
What's
the toughest fight you have ever been in, and why?
a. In the Octagon b. In another organisation or situation?
Hmmm
toughest fight…my Dad? hahaha nah to be honest
they’ve all been the same level as all my fights
have been first round wins. Once I go past the first
round or lose that will be my toughest.
What
fighters have you been influenced by over the years?
James
Te Huna, Mark Hunt, Jon Jones, Fedor Emelianenko…to
many to name really.
What
can you disclose to us about your business dealings
with UFC top brass Dana White, (other than obviously
you are signed to his organisation)
I’ve
only met Dana once or twice briefly. My Manager Zen
deals more with the organisation than me but so far
everything has been great!
What's
the biggest injury you have come back from, and what
sort of rehab etc was most helpful?
So I had my first fight in 2013 then took nearly couple
years with a knee injury so which is why I had only
had 4 fights prior to UFC and had 3 of those fights
were in 2016…it sucked but thanks to my physio
getting me back to 100.
Who
is your dream match opponent? Don’t really have
one…I like surprises haha.
Who
is your manager / promoter? Zen Ginnen from Ginnen
Group management.
What
sponsors and supporters have been of great assistance
to you over the years?
It's
only been less than a year since of being pro with
UFC so still building relationships with a number
of companies such as Muscle Bros, Altec Lansing, Reebok,
Shogun Martial Arts to name a few but so far so good.
Tell
us the details of your next big fight?
Aiming
for mid year sometime as I just recovered from my
busted hand from my fight in March, now I just keeping
fit till my manager lets me know.
After
UFC 209, did Paul Craig say anything to you after
the fight, and if so, what? What feedback did other
fighters or experts give you after the match?
After
209 fight with Paul he congratulated me for the win,
he did say some cheeky things to me prior the fight
but guess that's the game so I forgave him after I
beat him silly hahaha. Got a lot of good feed back
from lots of media and other fighters as Paul was
suppose to be the next big thing like a Conor McGregor
from Scotland as he was unbeatable also.
What
parts of the world has your career taken you to?
So
far just to the United states as I've just started
.. does Melbourne count? haha.
What's
your motto?
hmmm i’ll have to come back to you guys on that
one…I don’t even have a fight name yet.
Are
you involved in any other sports or businesses except
for the MMA sector, or do you have any side projects
you would like people to know about?
Working
a number of projects with my manager which I’m
excited as I’ve seen what he’s done with
current UFC fighter Mark Hunt with the Biography Book,
Documentary, Merchandise, Ambassador roles with a
number of brands/companies and so on…so stay
tuned.
Has
your MMA training even come in handy for any situations
on the street, before or after you became a professional
competitor?
No
not really…I’m not a trouble maker and tend
to stay away from drama, but maybe one day I’ll
see an old lady in a dark alley getting robbed then
I can put on my bat man costume and rescue her….Well
try too.
What's
the biggest misconception about yourself?
Some
people seem to think I,m nervous prior to fighting
as I'm always smiling to hide my nerves. I just love
to compete in MMA…which probably explains why
I walk out to all my fights like I’m going to
a dance party haha.
Do
you have any other goals in the larger professional
entertainment industry, or are you just sticking to
MMA for now?
Lets
see... still pretty early, for now just aiming for
the top of the division and surprised how fast I’m
getting there as being ranked 12th already in the
UFC light heavyweight division within 6 months of
debuting!
What's
the best advice you would give to anyone who was considering
getting into MMA on a professional level?
Just
to surround yourself with good people and that will
help you also reach your goals.
End.
Editor's
note: a very tough bloke, and a real good guy by all
accounts. We and many other predict many great things
for Tyson Pedro as his career continues. Defiantly
a fighter to watch and for Australia to get behind.
Websites
UFC:
Tyson Pedro profile
Tyson
Pedro Facebook
Tyson
Pedro Instagram
Sherdog:
Tyson Pedro
News
UFC
209: Western Sydney's Tyson Pedro set for the big
time - 24th February 2017
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