Sydney based UFC fighters Tai Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro have agreed to take on two veterans of the sport at UFC Adelaide though both are waiting on their potential opponents to make it official.
The promotion was looking at matching Tuivasa (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) with former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos (19-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC) at UFC China later in the year but it looks like the Brazilian turned that option down.
Just this week, Tuivasa’s manager Zen Ginnen tweeted an update that they are now hoping the fight may happen in Adelaide in December.
Planning for @bambamtuivasa to now take on @junior_cigano in Adelaide but waiting for answer from JDS camp since they turned down Shanghai… 🤷🏻♂️ Also have been offered for @tyson_pedro_ to take on @ShogunRua . We have a accepted waiting on Shogun Rua team. #UFCAdelaide
— Mr G (@ZenGinnen) August 15, 2018
Tuivasa would go into the contest with a perfect 10-0 MMA (UFC 3-0) record hoping to secure the biggest win of his career while “Cigano” dos Santos looks to make his case at another shot at the heavyweight title; having defeated Blagoy Ivanov in July.
The two fighters have had a short ‘Karate Kid’ inspired exchange on social media.
Hey Mr Miyagi, I Didn’t get a reply from my last response, but since your not keen on Asia should come to Australia, it’s the best!! Or you don’t like the weather or you don’t like Home and Away? Or Shoeys? I’ve accepted to dance with you..#Waiting 😴 @ufc @Mickmaynard2 https://t.co/u9tUVDQ5tE
— Tai BAM BAM Tuivasa (@bambamtuivasa) August 16, 2018
Despite losing his last outing, Tyson Pedro (7-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) signed a new six-fight contract just last month alongside his long-time friend Tuivasa. The 26-year-old is now waiting on the legendary Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and his team to agree to their side of the deal.
Rua (25-11 MMA, UFC 9-9), a 15-year fight veteran, is coming off a first-round knock-out loss to Anthony Smith last month. The 36-year-old has a decorated fighting career and claimed the UFC light-heavyweight belt back in 2010.
Although not official, it’s a promising development for the UFC Adelaide card which is scheduled to take place on December 2.
