After fighting inside the octagon for over ten years, Ross Pearson has decided to hang up the gloves. The lightweight fighter revealed on Instagram that he will be retiring from mixed martial arts at the age of 34:
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 @kristiejpearson for 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 ! Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson
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Pearson got his way into the UFC by winning season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter; He defeated Andre Winner to secure a contract with the promotion. Since then, Pearson has produced some strong wins over the likes of Dennis Siver, Spencer Fisher, and Junior Assunção.
However recently, the United Kingdom native has been dealing with more losses than wins, as he’s only won one bout in his last five fights. His final match-up against Desmond Green on March 30, 2019 ended with a loss via knockout. Pearson walked into the bout with a loss over John Makdessi back on July 28
th. The TUF season 9 winner ends his professional mixed martial arts career with 20 wins, 16 losses, and 1 no contest.