Tyson Pedro has shocked the entire combat community after an unexpected retirement announcement following his defeat to Victor Petrino at UFC Vegas 87 this weekend. The Australian-born fighter has competed in the UFC since 2017 and pointed out that mixture of family and financial problems as the main reasons behind his decision to retire from the sport. The shadow cast by the issue of fighter pay continues to cloak the world’s biggest MMA promotion in darkness.
Tyson Pedro opened up to the media after his defeat to Victor Petrino
“It’s been on my mind a little bit lately. Mainly just being away from my daughter, been away probably for twelve months out of the last two-and-a-half years from my wife and baby. So that’s obviously my choice, going over to New Zealand, I know that’s where I’m gonna be the best mixed martial artist. You put in all the costs, the cost to my family, probably just can’t do it anymore.”
He continued:
“With the tax deductions and the loss of the fight tonight, I’m probably gonna have to rob someone in the car park. If anyone’s got any money on them, who’s got the most on them?”
Two fighters retired from the sport following a defeat at the UFC Vegas 87, both of the fighters declared financial and family problems as the reason behind their retirement.
It is always an emotional moment for an athlete when he says goodbye to the sport forever and Tyson Pedro experienced one such moment.
“I didn’t want to take away from [Petrino’s] win, obviously I had a bit of a different plan going at this rate. So it wasn’t the best performance, thank you to all the fans. I want to say thank you to very much to the UFC for everything they’ve done on this journey. Especially thanks to my team.”
He went on to add, “My dreams have just changed at this point. So that’s it for me with the UFC. Thank you.”
Read More- Umar Nurmagomedov Calls For Cory Sandhagen Fight To Be Rebooked