Tyson Pedro Welcomes Road to UFC’s Zhang Mingyang to Octagon at UFC 284

Tyson Pedro, UFC
Tyson Pedro, UFC 278 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Eddie Law/Cageside Press

Road to UFC alum Zhang Mingyang has a dangerous foe ahead of his for his promotional debut next year: Tyson Pedro.

Pedro (9-3) will face Zhang (16-6) in a light heavyweight match-up at UFC 284 in February, promotion officials announced on Monday. The Pay-Per-View card takes place in Australian Pedro’s backyard, with the promotion returning to Perth, Australia for its first show in the country since prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

With two wins under his belt in 2022, Tyson Pedro finally has his career back in full swing. The City Kickboxing fighter joined the promotion in 2016 and posted a 3-3 record over his first two years. However, injuries stalled his progression, with Pedro unable to fight in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

He made his return to action this past April, knocking out Ike Villanueva. That was followed by a TKO finish of Harry Hunsucker at UFC 278 back in August.

Zhang, meanwhile, defeated George Tokkos in a featured fight at Road to UFC 1 earlier this year. That was enough to land him a UFC deal; China’s “Mountain Tiger” will enter the fight on a nine-fight win streak.

UFC 284 will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on February 11, 2023 (Feb. 12 locally). Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa is the only other fight currently announced for the card.