Tyson Pedro’s journey has taken an intriguing turn over the past four months. Once frustrated with boxing’s unpredictable landscape and plagued by injuries, the veteran from Penrith has redirected his enthusiasm into a new venture: Bakery Brothers. This gourmet pie shop in Jamisontown, co-owned with pastry chef and friend Rama Pattison, has become a welcome distraction for Pedro, who humorously admits to gaining weight during the process.
Having reached a hefty 115 kg, Pedro has embarked on a challenging weight loss journey to return to fighting shape, targeting 93 kg for his upcoming PFL light heavyweight debut against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in Belfast. The 34-year-old ex-UFC fighter previously had a brief foray into boxing, where he won against Taimoor Khan by TKO, but found that experience eye-opening for his mixed martial arts technique.
Pedro’s love for fighting has been reignited by the opportunity provided by the PFL after considering a full-time transition to baking. His training at Auckland’s prestigious City Kickboxing gym has been rigorous, marked by collaboration with top fighters including new UFC champ Carlos Ulberg and Israel Adesanya. While acknowledging the physical toll of intense training, Pedro expressed satisfaction in regaining his fitness levels.
Facing Yagshimuradov, a PFL light heavyweight champion and a star actor from the Turkish series Kuruluş: Osman, promises to be a challenging encounter. Pedro’s coaches noted his opponent’s explosive style, and he’s prepared to adapt his strategy accordingly. With a dose of humour, he touched on a nickname, ‘Kangaroo Paws’, that’s gained traction, indicating his willingness to embrace the lighter side of sports.
As he gears up for the bout, Pedro’s excitement is palpable. He even discovered Irish ancestry, which adds a personal touch to his visit to Belfast, where he hopes to engage the local crowd. When asked about the ongoing debate of Aussie versus Kiwi pies, Pedro cleverly leans towards New Zealand, highlighting the delicious Palusami pie he enjoyed while being still proud of his Bakery Brothers offerings.
In summary, Tyson Pedro’s journey epitomises resilience and adaptability. Transitioning from a boxer back to MMA is filled with trials but his combination of humour, passion, and tenacity showcases not just his determination to reclaim his place in the fighting world, but also how to enjoy life’s unexpected turns.