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ROSS PEARSON “The Real Deal” Heading DownUnder
© Marc Wickert Special thanks to: Wad Alameddine of www.fight-management.com Izzy Carnwath & Zara Shirwan of www.halo-pr.com
The British are coming! On February 27, 2011, Michael Bisping, Kurt Warburton and Tom Blackledge will be unleashing their diabolical style of UK firepower for MMA fans at UFC 127. Included in this flotilla of hard-hitting Brits, and packing an arsenal of destruction to rival the Ark Royal, will be The Ultimate Fighter 9 Lightweight Champion, Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson. The Brits have a reputation for being hard as railway nails, and their never-say-die brand of fighting guarantees sell-out crowds at all events. So it’s no coincidence that Pearson vs. Siver was awarded Fight of the Night at UFC Fight Night 21. A fulltime fighter since winning TUF 9 in June 2009, Ross Pearson (11-4-0) abandoned work as a bricklayer and “door supervisor” to pursue his MMA career. In February, Ross will be throwing down against Octagon veteran Spencer Fisher (24-6-0) at Sydney’s Acer Arena for what is expected to be a thrilling bout by two athletes known for bringing everything to the table. And Pearson will definitely be bringing a very positive attitude to Australia for his highly anticipated battle. At http://rosspearson.co.uk Ross reveals his formula for success: “To all of you up-and-coming fighters, I wish you all good luck. Never give up on your dreams – I didn’t! Never lose track of your goals, train hard and surround yourself with positive minded people.” Knucklepit was fortunate to catch up with Pearson previous to his departing Sunderland, England, for the land DownUnder. Ross, you are able to mix up your strikes a lot. Is that one of the main aspects of your game that opponents have trouble dealing with? “Yes. I’m not just a Muay Thai striker and not just a boxer; I mix it up which helps in MMA a lot.” Is the left rip to the body one of your trademark punches? “I like throwing the left hook. I get a lot of leverage from it. I wouldn’t say it’s my trademark punch but if I see the opportunity then I like to throw it. It’s a devastating punch.”
Can you give a brief rundown of your Fight of the Night win over Dennis Siver, please, Ross? “Basically from what I can remember... (It’s been a few months now)… I remember being really light on my feet. I didn’t want to commit to anything because Dennis is a good counter puncher. I basically controlled the fight and messed up his timing with coming forward. I put him on the back foot. He was finding it difficult to fight my fight. He was under pressure.” At this stage, your bout with Spencer Fisher is not being televised on p-p-v, but if this battle is as spectacular as Pearson vs. Siver, is the Pearson vs. Fisher match likely to be aired? “Yes definitely. The fight has the ingredients to be an all out war…actually, not so much an all out war because we’re going to finish the fight. The combination of our fight styles should make an explosive fight. It’s going to make TV.” I believe you have been coached by Darren Morris and Vinny Shoreman in Thai boxing at Salford Muay Thai, and by Victor Estima in BJJ for this upcoming fight. Is that correct? “Yes, except for Vinny Shoreman. He has left Salford Muay Thai now so I don’t train with him anymore.” Who do you train with at Team Roughhouse? “All the lads. Dan Hardy, Paul Daley, Jimmy Wallhead, Dean Amasinger… all the main guys fighting in the UK and most of the upcoming guys. They’re my main training partners at Roughhouse.” Michael Bisping, Kurt Warburton and Tom Blackledge will also be representing the UK at UFC 127. Will fighting for your country give you more determination in your match? “I don’t think it gives me determination. I’m always determined to finish the fight and win. Fighting for your country always adds to the determination though, because people have invested a lot of faith and support in you.” What is your prediction for the Fitch vs. Penn fight? “John Fitch is going to win a distance fight. He’s not a guy who finishes fights. He’s a grinder. He’s going to wear down Penn and stop his overhand right with the clinch and his wrestling.” You have an attitude of anything is possible. What motivates you? “Wanting to be the best. Wanting to be a champion I’m always motivated because I love it. I love the way my life’s gone and how it’s going. I’ve got a massive passion. Even if my life hadn’t gone this way I’d still be competing even at an amateur level or whatever. I love the sport. I want to be the title holder.” Does your win over Dennis Siver and Spencer’s loss to Dennis give you a psychological edge against Spencer? “Maybe in his mind. Not mine. You don’t win fights on paper. Anything can happen. I’m confident I’ve got the style and the ability to beat Spencer.” What are Spencer’s strengths? “Toughness, experience in the cage, a well rounded tough fighter, dangerous in all areas.” What will your strengths be against Spencer? “My speed, power, strength, my determination, my pace.” Ross, is there anything you’d like to add? “Thanks a lot for taking the time to interview me.”
Ross Pearson’s sponsors: FightShop, My Protein, Tokyo Five, and Grapple Fit. For more on Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson:
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