Fighter Tyson Pedro and his father John do not have a normal relationship.
Ahead of his match at UFC 278 on Sunday, the 30-year-old talks about a violent upbringing.
Bland was stabbed in the chest – by his father – as a joke.
– I cried, the Australian tells the Daily Telegraph.
On Sunday, Australian Tyson Pedro entered the ring to face American Harry Hansucker at UFC 278.
Pedro, who is competing in the light-heavyweight category, made a dramatic comeback this spring after a knee injury that kept him off the court for four years. On his return, he defeated American Ike Villanueva.
Before his fight on Sunday, the 30-year-old and his father, John Pedro, talked about his upbringing and relationship that was limited by violence and bloody fights.
Tooth extraction during training session
Among other things, John, who describes himself as a rough and tumble suburban boy who grew up in California, allegedly pulled his son’s front teeth during a sparring session.
– He was dazed and bloody and there were people in the gym who tried to interrupt, and that would have happened in my world. I told them to go to hell. In the life I know, no one will come and save you and I wanted my son to know that, John told the Daily Telegraph.
Son’s knife – as a joke
They both also talk about an incident that arose where John Tyson was stabbed in the chest – as a joke.
– I had something I did where I threw the knife in one hand and grabbed it with the other. It worked most of the time, but this day I was too slow, he explains and continues:
Like any father who has stabbed his son, I was terrified.
Tyson:
I cried with a knife in my chest, and said it was my fault because I was the one who started it. But I knew the truth, I was afraid of what my mom would say.
John Pedro came to Australia from the USA in the 1980s and helped build the mixed martial arts scene in his new homeland. On Sunday, he will see his son enter the ring again.
– Tyson never gives up. He’s a warrior, that’s what he is. To be in his round corner during battles and see him in bright light, he lights up. As a father, I am very proud.
