Ross Pearson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ross Pearson
Ross Pearson at UFC 105 weigh-ins
Born	(1984-09-26) 26 September 1984 (age 40) Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom
Other names	The Real Deal
Residence	Central Coast, Australia
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
Division	Welterweight Lightweight Featherweight
Reach	69 in (175 cm)
Style	Boxing
Fighting out of	Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom
Team	The Alliance
Rank	Black belt in Taekwondo Brown belt in Judo Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active	2004–2019 (MMA) 2019–2021 (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total	2
Wins	1
By knockout	1
Losses	1
By knockout	1
Mixed martial arts record
Total	38
Wins	20
By knockout	7
By submission	5
By decision	8
Losses	17
By knockout	6
By submission	2
By decision	9
No contests	1
Other information
Spouse	Kristie Jane Pearson

Ross Pearson (born on September 26, 1984) is a retired English mixed martial artist and professional boxer. He fought in the UFC 26 times. He won the "Fight of the Night" award three times. Ross was also the lightweight winner of the TV show The Ultimate Fighter 9.

About Ross Pearson

Ross Pearson was born and grew up in Sunderland, England. He started learning Tae Kwon Do when he was six years old. Later, in high school, he also began training in judo and boxing.

When he was 17, Ross started training in mixed martial arts. He was inspired by early UFC events and decided he wanted to become a professional MMA fighter. Before becoming a full-time fighter, he worked as a bricklayer.

Ross's Mixed Martial Arts Journey

Becoming a Reality TV Star

In 2009, Ross Pearson joined a reality TV show called The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. This show helps new fighters get into the UFC. Ross did very well and won first place in the lightweight division.

Fighting in the UFC

Ross Pearson had many exciting fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was known for his strong punches.

Early UFC Fights (2010-2011)

Ross won his first UFC fight against Dennis Siver in March 2010. Later that year, he lost to Cole Miller. In 2011, he beat Spencer Fisher and then had a tough fight against Edson Barboza. Even though Ross lost to Barboza, their fight was so exciting that it won the "Fight of the Night" award.

After this, Ross decided to try fighting in a lighter weight class called Featherweight. He won his first fight at this new weight against Junior Assunção.

Coaching and Comebacks (2012-2013)

In 2012, Ross became a coach for Team UK on another season of The Ultimate Fighter, called The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes. He then returned to the Lightweight division and won against George Sotiropoulos.

In 2013, Ross continued his winning streak by beating Ryan Couture. He then fought Melvin Guillard, but the fight ended early because Ross was accidentally hit with an illegal knee and couldn't continue.

Big Fights and Awards (2014-2015)

In 2014, Ross had a very close fight against Diego Sanchez. Most people thought Ross won, but the judges gave the win to Sanchez. Even the UFC president, Dana White, thought Ross won and paid him a special bonus. Ross then won against Gray Maynard with a TKO.

In 2015, Ross had a great knockout win against Sam Stout. This impressive win earned him a "Performance of the Night" bonus. He also won a close fight against Paul Felder.

Weight Changes and Later Fights (2016-2019)

After some losses, Ross decided to move up to the Welterweight division in 2016. He explained that cutting less weight made him feel better and have more energy. He fought Jorge Masvidal and Stevie Ray in this new weight class.

Countries where Ross Pearson has competed in as of August 2017

In 2018, Ross won against Mizuto Hirota. His fight against John Makdessi later that year was so exciting that it won him another "Fight of the Night" award, even though he lost the decision.

Ross Pearson announced his retirement from MMA in April 2019. However, he did return for one more fight in November 2019, where he lost to Davy Gallon.

Ross's Fighting Style

Ross Pearson is known for his very strong punches. When he grapples (wrestles on the ground), his favorite move is the armbar, which is a submission technique.

Ross has said that his hero in fighting is Randy Couture, another famous mixed martial artist.

Training and Team

Ross Pearson trains at a gym called The Alliance MMA Gym. He has different coaches for different parts of his training:

• Nick Hands coaches his Muay Thai (a type of kickboxing).
• Sean Casey coaches his boxing.
• Barry Gibson helps him with his strength and conditioning.

Ross's Life Outside the Ring

Ross Pearson is married to Kristie Jane Pearson, who is from Australia. They met when she was a ring girl for the UFC. Ross moved to Australia to be with his wife, and they now have two daughters.

In his free time, Ross enjoys motocross, which is a type of motorcycle racing on off-road tracks.

Ross in TV Shows and Video Games

Ross Pearson has appeared in a few TV shows and video games related to his fighting career.

TV Shows

Video Games

Ross's Achievements

Ross Pearson has won several awards and championships during his career.

Mixed Martial Arts Awards

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • The Ultimate Fighter 9 Tournament Winner (Lightweight)
  • Fight of the Night (Three times) – for his fights against Dennis Siver, Edson Barboza and John Makdessi
  • Performance of the Night (One time) – for his fight against Sam Stout
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2009: Ranked #5 Newcomer of the Year
• Ultimate Force
  • UF Lightweight Champion (One time)
  • Successfully defended his title once
• Total Combat
  • Lightweight Champion
• Strike and Submit
  • Lightweight Champion

Mixed Martial Arts Exhibition Record (from The Ultimate Fighter)

Ross's Professional Boxing Record

After his MMA career, Ross Pearson also tried professional boxing.

See also

In Spanish: Ross Pearson para niños

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists