Tyson Pedro has retired from mixed martial arts, following his loss to Vitor Petrino at UFC Vegas 87.
Pedro called time on his 11 year career, 8 of which was spent competing at the highest level. Having turned professional in September of 2013 and after just fought fights on the Australian circuit, he was picked up by the UFC.
Discussing the decision to walk away from the sport, Pedro revealed that the time he has spent away from him family, due to camps, had really started to take its toll on him. He said:
“It’s been on my mind a little bit lately. It’s being away from my daughter, been away for probably 12 months in two and a half years, away from my wife and baby. That’s obviously my choice going over to New Zealand, I know that’s where I am going to be the best mixed martial artist. You put in all the costs, the cost to my family, I probably just can’t do it any more. With the deductions, and the loss of the fight tonight, I am probably going to have to rob someone in the car park. “
After discussing the financial aspect, Pedro was quick to point out that the reason for calling time on his career was not a monetary one. He said:
“It's more a family thing, but just change of dreams. If I am going to do that, I might as well spend it with my daughter, who knows, you might see me on the Australian circuit but that’s it for MMA, for me.”
It was far from the dream ending he had no doubt envisioned as Pedro was ultimately out struck and out wrestled throughout the 15 minute affair against the unbeaten Vitor Petrino, who now extends his run to 11 wins.
“He was really good at hitting hard, that helps. He was doing off-centre punches and I have only ever been in this to fight the best. He set it up and I thought I would give him a good test and I believe he is going to go pretty far. Good on him, I am glad we went the distance but especially after that, that just solidified it.”
Reflecting on his career, the 32-year old was extremely thankful for the opportunities the sport have presented him with and is now looking forward to being able to spend more time with his family and young daughter.
“I try not to complain about it too much, I get to do what I love, there’s people out there sacrificing this much, doing a sh*t job. So I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve got to live my dream, fight in front of the biggest crowd, fought for the biggest promotion in the world so it is all positive for me. I want to look back and just as much as spending time with my daughter. “
