Tyson Pedro vs. Harry Hunsucker is scheduled for three rounds in the light heavyweight division as a featured attraction on tonight's UFC 278 undercard from the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Pedro continues his comeback against knockout artist Hunsucker, who hopes to reinvigorate his career down the scales after a stint at heavyweight.
Pedro not only is favored to win in the latest UFC odds, but he is the biggest favorite on the entire card at -740. Hunsucker will have the odds and the tricky Pedro stacked against him, and he’s pegged as a +540 underdog.
Check out our picks and predictions for Pedro vs. Hunsucker on Aug. 20.
Pedro vs Hunsucker fight odds
Live odds courtesy of the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Pedro vs Hunsucker method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Tyson Pedro | Harry Hunsucker |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | -220 | +1,100 |
| To win by Points | +1,100 | +1,600 |
| To win by Submission | +400 | +2,600 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook on August 18, 2022.
Pedro vs Hunsucker picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Pedro vs Hunsucker betting preview
Pedro took three and a half years to recover from a terrible ACL tear but looked no worse for wear when he dominated Ike Villanueva last April. Still trying to get back up to speed, the Australian is getting the showcase spot as the biggest favorite on the card against Hunsucker. While Hunsucker is actually dropping down from heavyweight to light heavyweight, it’s not hard to see how Pedro has the edge.
He possesses a massive 79-inch reach and is a varied striker who doesn’t waste his shots, landing 2.89 significant strikes per minute at an incredible 64% accuracy. While his mobility may be a question mark following such a serious injury, he moved well against Villanueva and looked energized in the win. Another major advantage Pedro has is that he’s a technical mastermind compared to the brutish Hunsucker, whose quick hands at heavyweight carried him to middling success.
All of Hunsucker's fights have ended inside the first round and he is the epitome of kill-or-be-killed. He’s a slugger with big power, but his chin is as much of a liability as his defense. He’s lost three of his last five fights and has been stopped in each of his losses. The move to light heavyweight might give him a boost in power, but it won’t fix his chin.
If Hunsucker can make weight and still have decent hand speed, he could find himself in favorable exchanges against the favorite. Then again, Pedro can work behind his jab and try to time an opponent who’ll likely be wobbled with the first big shot he’ll land. If he gets complacent, however, he can get clipped by a fighter who goes into the octagon intending on putting his opponents on their backs or going out on his own.
Pedro vs Hunsucker tale of the tape
| Tyson Pedro | Harry Hunsucker | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Age | 33 |
| 6-foot-3 | Height | 6-foot-2 |
| 214 lbs | Weight | 218 lbs |
| 79 inches | Reach | 75 inches |
| 8-3-0 (1 KO) | Record | 7-5-0 (3 KO) |
Pedro vs Hunsucker UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Pedro ML
This amounts to little more than a pacemaking fight for Pedro, who is still getting back in the swing of things after a long absence. Fighters who have suffered ACL injuries will be wary of getting in with a bigger fighter who can throw their weight around or grapple well, but Hunsucker isn’t that kind of fighter. A straight-up brawler who will be as telegraphed as they come, Pedro should have no trouble here.
Fighters who drop down in weight in MMA do so because they’ve hit their ceiling and feel that a change of scenery with a size advantage will do them some good. Unfortunately, Hunsucker doesn’t have that kind of versatility. Considering how easy it’s been to hit him, hurt him and stop him, he’s going to be an open book for his comeback-minded foe.
It’ll take big money to make a little money off Pedro, so while we’re picking him, we’d advise that you target props instead of the moneyline for better value.
Prediction: Tyson Pedro moneyline (-740 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Pedro KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1
This will be Pedro’s moment to announce his candidacy as a light heavyweight to watch, with his next stop potentially co-maining a future edition of UFC Fight Night against a tougher foe. Hunsucker is overmatched in so many ways, and we’d have to take a huge risk just to find a positive line.
As is the case with Hunsucker’s previous fights, we’ve decided that Pedro winning by knockout inside the first round is the way to go. While it doesn’t turn the line positive, it’s easily the best pick to make in this fight.
Pick: Tyson Pedro to win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 (-165 at DraftKings)
