The Stats Zone
February 10 2023, 11:36 · Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Tyson Pedro vs Modestas Bukauskas at UFC 284

MMA Preview – Tyson Pedro vs Modestas Bukauskas at UFC 284

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TYSON PEDRO VS MODESTAS BUKAUSKAS FACTS

When is UFC 284? Sunday 12th February, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC 284? RAC Arena, Perth (Australia)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 284? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 284

What channel is UFC 284 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC 284? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!

TYSON PEDRO VS MODESTAS BUKAUSKAS LOWDOWN

After spending more than three years out on the sidelines, Tyson Pedro (9-3) returned in April last year and looked better than ever. That said, he was gifted two of the easiest fights he could have asked for. He was coming off a submission loss to Ovince Saint Preux (2018) and a TKO to Shogun Rua (2018) and wa thens handed Ike Vilanueva and Harry Hunsucker who he mercilessly knocked out in the first round.

He was preparing for Mingyang Zhang who had to withdraw which has given Modestas Bukauskas (13-5) the opportunity for a comeback. He had a very tough run in the UFC getting paired with Jimmy Crute (2020) who starched him in the first round, Michal Oleksiejczuk (2021) who earnt a split decision and then Khalil Rountree Jr (2021) who crippled Bukauskas’ knee with an oblique kick. He recovered quickly to pick up a couple wins for Cage Warriors picking up the light heavyweight title in the process and now has his second chance in the big time.

TYSON PEDRO VS MODESTAS BUKAUSKAS PREDICTION

There are still question marks over Bukauskas’ knee health after Rountree’s assault and travelling over to Australia on relatively short notice to fight the home favourite is a tough ask to say the least.

The odds are stacked against him, but he does have two good wins under the belt. He is a very strong striker with solid takedown defence and is worthy of a place on the roster.

However, Pedro is another extremely tough match up for him stylistically. It was easy to look good in his last two fights, but Pedro is a legit striker and a beast on the mat as a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

This should be competitive for the first round at least, but we expect Pedro to land something clean to the body or jaw and if the fight goes to the floor, he should be able to find a finish.

Prediction: Pedro via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)