Tyson Pedro out of UFC Auckland

Tyson Pedro will not be competing in New Zealand next month.

The light heavyweight announced on Instagram that he is out of his upcoming bout with Vinicius Moreira, which was scheduled to take place at UFC Auckland on Feb. 22.

Pedro, who hails from Australia, indicated that his withdrawal is due to an injury, though he did not specify its exact nature nor did he provide a potential timetable for his return. The 28-year-old has been out of action since a loss to Mauricio Rua in December 2018. That bout saw Pedro suffer an injury to his right leg before he was finished by “Shogun” in the third round.

“Just when you think everything is going to your plan something hits you upside the head with a different one,” Pedro wrote. “Out of the fight in Feb, I’m gutted but thank you for all the messages.”

MMA Fighting has reached out to UFC officials for information on whether a replacement opponent will be sought for Moreira.

After winning his first two UFC fights by first-round finish, Pedro (7-3) has lost three of his last four.

See Pedro’s full statement below:

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. 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 [at City Kickboxing] thanks for having my family come through and showing us love. I’m praying for good news from the surgeon and a quick turnaround