Ross Pearson Announces Retirement From MMA

Hard-nosed British contender Ross Pearson has called it a career.

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 winner will leave the UFC with an impressive 26 fights to his name. He fought some of the best lightweights during his run in the Octagon. While he may not have always emerged victorious, he was willing to fight anyone at any time.

‘The Real Deal’ was one of the most active competitors in the UFC during his tenure, fighting an unheard-of eight times from 2015-2016. Pearson was last seen losing via TKO at March 30’s UFC Philadelphia. The loss sent him to six defeats in his last seven bouts.

Official Announcement

After considering his situation with his team and family, Pearson announced on Instagram this week that he was calling it a career:

“After some long hard talks, and careful consideration with my family, friends and team,  I’ve decided it’s time to retire as an MMA fighter. As hard as that is to say, it’s not the end of my career as a competitor. I’ve always been a fighter, and right now I am keeping my mind open as to what’s next for me. I’d like take this time to thank everyone at the @UFC for having me for the past 10 years @danawhite for seeing something in me and believing in me for all these years ago.

“To my family, my teammates, and my friends, your support has been endless and I appreciate all of you – with a special shout out to all the north east training partners & coaches who where there for me in the beginning @grapplefit to @alliancemma for taking me in as part of the family, my wife @kristiejpearsonfor following my dream with me and all the guys at @centralcoastmma@coach_jamie_pittman_@centralcoastbarbell
And to all my fans, thanks for all the love & support!”

Pearson will leave the sport with a 2016 record including 7 knockouts and 5 submission wins. He may not have been close to a lightweight title shot at any point in his career. However, Pearson was a game competitor who always brought it.

His three ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses prove just that. Pearson was a true throwback to the earlier days of MMA. He should be remembered as such. We at LowKick MMA wish him all the best in his future endeavors.