Francisco Trinaldo Outpoints Ross Pearson In Boston Showdown

Two fighters looking to break in the top 15 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight rankings kicked off the main card of UFC Fight Night 81. Francisco Trinaldo (19-4) looked to extend his winning streak to five when he met Ross Pearson (18-10, 1 NC) in the center of the Octagon.

At the start of round one, Pearson connected with a leg kick and had his high kick blocked. Trinaldo left himself open in his lead left hand attempt. “Massaranduba” caught Pearson with a punch. A straight right hand found the home for “The Real Deal.” The story of round one was Trinaldo’s ability to stay on his toes and be active. Trinaldo continued moving and went for some high kicks. The round ended with a huge slam for the Brazilian.

Round two was underway and “Massaranduba” picked up where he left off with high kick attempts. Pearson caught a leg and completed a takedown. Trinaldo scrambled back to his feet. “The Real Deal” was caught by a knee. Trinaldo received an uppercut, but kept his opponent against the fence. They separated and Trinaldo popped his opponent with a right hand. The round ended with the two fighters in a clinch.

The final round began and a hook from the Brazilian stunned Pearson. Blood trickled above the left eye of “The Real Deal.” A head kick from Pearson was blocked. Pearson caught a head kick and took Trinaldo down. “Massaranduba” returned to his feet. An inside leg kick found the target for Trinaldo. A huge spinning backfist whiffed for Pearson. A right hand landed for Trinaldo and the final horn sounded shortly after.

All three judges gave the nod to “Massaranduba.”

Final Result: Francisco Trinaldo def. Ross Pearson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)