The MMA Daily

The Light Heavyweight division features a bout that likely won’t go long, as Tyson Pedro takes on Ike “Hurricane” Villanueva. Returning to the octagon for the first time in over three years, Pedro will look to shake off the rust and put a halt to a two-fight skid. Still only 30 years old and with wins over Paul Craig and Khalil Rountree, Pedro still has legs at 205 pounds. He just needs to win and stay healthy. Meanwhile, Villanueva comes into this fight desperately needing a victory. Having lost two straight and with a 1-4 record in the UFC, Villanueva’s time could be up should he lose. Then again, Sam Alvey has lost seven straight and is still in the UFC.

As for a prediction, I have Pedro winning. While the layoff is worrisome, Villanueva’s durability is more so. Having been stopped in all four of his losses in the UFC, not once making it past six minutes, Villanueva is a kill or be killed fighter. Unfortunately for him, he’s been the nail way more than the hammer. And quite frankly, I don’t see that changing in this fight. Absorbing a staggering 7.91 significant strikes per minute, it’s only a matter of time before Pedro, who has a six inch reach advantage, connects with a fight ending blow on Villanueva. So with that said, I predict that Pedro wins this fight via TKO.