Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Tyson Pedro just can’t catch a break. The Light Heavyweight contender has been forced out of scheduled fight against Vinicius Moreira, which was set to go down at UFC Fight Night 168 in Auckland, New Zealand on Feb. 22, 2020 with an injury.
Pedro took to Instagram to share the news.
“Peaks and Valleys. Just when you think everything is going to your plan something hits you upside the head with a different one. Out of the fight in Feb, I’m gutted but thank you for all the messages,” he wrote.
“I’m not stressed as I know I’m coming back, I’ve never stopped before, so I’m not going to now. Every time I’ve messed up in life, been injured or blind sighted, something good came out from it, that I couldn’t see at the time.”
“ So until then, it’s all smiles and time to grind again. A massive positive was being able to connect and train with the boys down @citykickboxing thanks for having my family come through and showing us love. I’m praying for good news from the surgeon and a quick turnaround he ended.”
It’s a tough blow for Tyson, as this fight was to be his first since recovering from a knee surgery after suffering an injury during his loss to Mauricio Rua one year ago. During his short run inside the Octagon, Pedro has amassed a 3-3 record. That said, the promotion does have ample time to find a suitable replacement for Vinicius with seven weeks until fight night.
UFC Auckland is set to be headlined by a hard-hitting Lightweight bout between Paul Felder and Dan Hooker.