THAT'S IT!! @Tyson_Pedro_ remains unbeaten via RD1 TKO!! #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/8v0kGW0JPl
— #UFC209 (@ufc) March 5, 2017
Paul Craig and Tyson Pedro earned the featured bout on the UFC Fight Pass portion of the preliminary card. The two light heavyweights put on a good show for the fans who wanted to get full value out of their tickets, getting to the arena so early.
Neither man shied away from storming to the center of the octagon or throwing signature strikes. Craig repeatedly fired off a left high kick in the opening minute of the fight and Pedro did not respond with anything of his own. When Craig pushed Pedro up against the fence, Pedro was able to land a knee to the gut of Craig who was caught off guard.
An uppercut from Craig finally broke up the action along the fence, bringing the fight back to the center of the octagon. Pedro dropped Craig with a stiff right hand before catching him with another. Pedro took control and manhandled Craig, pushing him up against the fence before taking him down landing in side mount.
A mounted crucifix for Pedro would put an end to the fight as Craig simply absorbed one too many unprotected elbows.
Tyson Pedro def. Paul Craig by way of TKO (Elbows) 4:10 of Round 1
HARD right hand from Pedro drops Craig! #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/9RRGxMHqOv
— #UFC209 (@ufc) March 5, 2017
Both guys connecting early! @PCraigMMA lands the flurry but @Tyson_Pedro_ lands a hard knee! #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/x0pjn5eV0U
— #UFC209 (@ufc) March 5, 2017