Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at the Australian light heavyweight Tyson Pedro as he makes his UFC debut against American Khali Rountree at UFC Fight Night 101. Tyson Pedro Hometown: Sydney, Australia Age: 25 Height: 6’3” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Light Heavyweight Camp: Lions Heart Performance Centre Career Record: 4-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The Australian Fighting Championship fighter began training in martial arts as a child before moving on to Brazilian jiu jitsu as a teenager. He didn’t return turn professional until 2013, but then tuck a hiatus until 2016 where he has reeled off three wins in the calendar year. The undefeated Australian has won all four of his fights by stoppage. Strengths
- Good athlete
- Decent knees in the clinch
- Quick transitions in the grappling exchanges
Weaknesses
- Very little professional experience
- Striking looks to be not UFC standard
Matchup against Khalil Rountree I see this fight going one of two ways, but with the lack of video footage available on Tyson Pedro it’s difficult to put a percentage on each of those results happening. Tyson Pedro is an Australian fighter who has been training in MMA since he was a young child. He has a pretty nicely developed grappling game and is capable of finishing on the ground by strikes or submissions. He’s definitely a bit behind on the feet and will struggle in prolonged standing exchanges. Khalil Rountree is nearly the exact opposite as a fighter. He’s a very good striker that has next to no ground game. Either way, I don’t see this fight going three rounds. Rountree is certainly more experienced and should be the favorite in this fight, but if he gets taken to the mat Pedro has a very real chance to win this fight by submission. The props for this fight are not released yet, but fight doesn’t go the distance has a very good chance of hitting. I’ll be looking at that once lines are released. UFC Ceiling It’s difficult to assess just how good Tyson Pedro is. He’s only fought professionally four times and his level of competition is limited at best. He has a serviceable ground game and is experienced in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has decent size for the light heavyweight division and is certainly young enough to make real improvements. His first bout in the UFC will tell a lot about his future prospects. Fight Film Check out Tyson Pedro in some of his most recent fights: Tyson Pedro vs. Don Endermann Tyson Pedro Introduction Video