“Kangaroo Paws” nearly pulled off a miracle.
Former top-15 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Tyson Pedro made his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut at PFL Belfast today (Thurs., April 16, 2026), but came up short against 2024 champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov, losing a unanimous decision inside SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The opening rounds were measured, but Yagshimuradov was clearly in control — staying more active with spinning attacks, ripping calf kicks, and
mixing in timely takedowns. A strong second round, capped by a flurry and late grappling success, put him firmly ahead on the scorecards.
Pedro, meanwhile, struggled to find his rhythm.
That changed in the third.
Needing a finish, Pedro finally let his hands go and nearly flipped the fight. With just over two minutes remaining, he cracked Yagshimuradov with a right hand that dropped him and swarmed with ground-and-pound, pushing for the comeback stoppage.
But the veteran champion refused to fold.
Yagshimuradov weathered the storm, scrambled back to his feet, and secured a late takedown on an exhausted Pedro to seal the win (29-28 x3).
Watch the near finish below:
The victory moves No. 2-ranked Yagshimuradov (25-8-1) to 4-1 in the PFL and keeps him near the top of the division, potentially setting up a rematch with Corey Anderson for the Light Heavyweight title. The 36-year-old claimed PFL gold when he knocked out former champion Impa Kasanganay in just 58 seconds in 2024 (watch highlights).
As for Pedro (10-6), he returned from a two-year retirement from the sport. He initially retired from MMA after a lackluster loss to Vitor Petrino at UFC Vegas 87 in March 2024 and asked for his UFC release. The Australian fighter ended up going 6-5 inside the Octagon.
While he showed flashes late in his PFL debut, the 34-year-old looked hesitant for long stretches and now finds himself on a two-fight skid.
For all the latest PFL news and notes click here.
