Pedro to show he belongs in the big time

ST MARYS mixed martial arts star Tyson Pedro says he’ll prove why he belongs in the big time.

Tyson Pedro. Picture: Tracey Nearmy.

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ST MARYS mixed martial arts star Tyson Pedro says he’ll prove why he belongs in the big time when he fights Scotsman Paul Craig at UFC 209 in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Both fighters are undefeated (Pedro 5-0) and Craig (9-0), and Pedro said Craig was attempting to be like Conor McGregor by trying to humiliate him before they even enter the octagon.

“He’s been pretty vocal about how I shouldn’t be in the ring with him but he’ll get a surprise on Sunday,” Pedro said.

“I don’t think much will happen at the weigh-in either. He’s more bark than bite.”

Tyson Pedro has big plans for Sunday. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Both fighters have ended the majority of their fights via submission, but Pedro said he would knock out Craig if he had to.

“He said he wants to stand and fight but I’ll be surprised if that happens,” he said.

“I can knock him out because I’d like to think I’m a complete fighter. The submissions have happened because they all gave me a window of opportunity to do it.

“It’s been a perfect preparation and it’s been my first training camp as a pro which has helped my recovery between sessions.

“I’d used to get to training a bit tired after work and would pick up a few injuries.”