MMA Preview – Tyson Pedro vs Anton Turkalj at UFC 293
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TYSON PEDRO VS ANTON TURKALJ FACTS
When is UFC 293? Sunday 10th September, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 293? Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, New South Wales (Aus)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 293? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 293
What channel is UFC 293 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 293? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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 ANTON TURKALJ LOWDOWN
It is great to see Tyson Pedro (9-4) get two fights in a year for the second time in a row. After three years out of the game recovering from injuries and getting finished by Ovince St Preux (submission) and Shogun Rua (TKO) in 2018, he returned to knock out Ike Villanueva and Harry Hunsucker in 2022. He then graced the UFC 284 card in Perth back in February although he lost a unanimous decision to Modestas Bukauskas.
Now, he takes Anton Turkalj (8-2) who is still searching for his first UFC win. He got completely outclassed on debut getting submitted by Jailton Almeida (2022) but deserves credit simply for accepting that fight on short notice. He returned six months later against Vitor Petrino (2023) and despite losing a unanimous decision, he gave a better account of himself.
TYSON PEDRO VS ANTON TURKALJ PREDICTION
Pedro’s recent loss was less shocking than the odds suggested. Bukauskas is a quality fighter and Pedro’s stock was inflated by his two prior knockouts against opponents who had no right being in the UFC.
Turkalj is another lesser-known name, but like Bukauskas, he has a lot more pedigree and will be a tough fight for the Aussie. He is a diverse striker who will threaten from all angles and he also has the ability to mix in the takedown.
That said, Pedro hits harder and will be a submission threat in the scrambles. He is a more potent finisher but that comes at a cost which is his cardio. If he cannot get the Swede out in the first round, he will be in trouble.
Turkalj can wrestle his way to a decision, but his fight IQ and the home advantage for Pedro swing this the Aussie’s favour and his counter punching could make the difference.
Prediction: Pedro via KO/TKO
Value bet: Turkalj via Decision
