UFC 278: Can Tyson Pedro Establish Himself?

UFC 278: Putting Pressure On Tyson Pedro 

Tyson Pedro has had a very unique career in the UFC. Debuting all the way back in 2016, the Australian started hot with two finishes over Khalil Rountree and Paul Craig, victories that have aged well. From 2017 through 2018 he went 2-3, with notable losses to Ovince St. Preux and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. 

In the loss to Rua, Pedro would suffer a knee injury that would take him out of competition for the next four years. The 205 pound fighter would finally make his triumphant return against Ike Villanueva at UFC Fight Night on April 23, 2022. Pedro absolutely decimated the Texan with leg kicks and outside pressure. Now facing a man coming down a weight class, this is Tyson Pedro’s fight to lose. 

UFC 278: What to Make Of “The Hurricane” 

Harry Hunsucker has been given his fair share of tasks by the UFC, getting brutally finished in all of his UFC outings, most notably by another Australian in Tai Tuivasa. While he has not had the best go of it, this move down a weight class could prove to be the change needed Hunsucker needs as the deceptively fast heavyweight could fit right in the mix of competition in the 205-pound weight class. 

Hunsucker’s game plan is no mystery, the question is if he can finally make it work at the highest level of the UFC. Looking at the fight he had with Cory Moon, standing in the pocket and going first is what got him to the show. The fans can’t be too quick to dismiss ‘The Hurricane.’ 

UFC 278: Match-up and Implications 

Tyson Pedro appears to be a serious prospect in his division. Losing many years of his career due to injury, there is certainly a fire under him to show up and show out. The fight with Villanueva piqued the interest of many MMA fans. If he can replicate the outside pressure in this next fight, who knows where the limit could be. 

On the other hand, Hunsucker seems resolved to catch a second wind in his UFC run. With a victory here, he could flip the script and establish himself as a true contender, like how he hoped to be at 265 pounds. While many doubt him, he does have a shot.

The main question that this bout asks is, can Hunsucker get on the inside and land, or will the Australian do damage at range and catch his opponent. Also being winless in the UFC, Hunsucker is certainly going to fight with something to prove, so this could shape up to be a great bout. With a win for Tyson Pedro, he will certainly establish himself as a true contender once more.