‘The Real Deal’ returns, as Ross Pearson will take on Des Green at the upcoming UFC on ESPN 2 in Philadelphia this March.
Ross Pearson isn’t ready to hang up the gloves just yet. On Thursday, the UFC announced via social media that ‘The Real Deal,’ winner of The Ultimate Fighter 9 at lightweight, would return at UFC Philadelphia (UFC on ESPN 2). There, the British fighter will take on Des Green. The event is the first trip for the UFC to Philly since UFC 133 in 2011.
Veteran @RossTheRealDeal 🇬🇧 will face Desmond Green at #UFCPhiladelphia! pic.twitter.com/zdInl74rIh
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 31, 2019
Pearson (20–15 (1)) is coming off a Fight of the Night loss against John Makdessi at UFC Calgary in July. Prior to that, he’d won his first fight since 2016 at UFC 221 against Mizuto Hirota. Pearon’s four fight losing streak between 2016 and 2018 saw him lose bouts to Will Brooks, Jorge Masvidal, Stevie Ray, and Dan Hooker.
Des Green (21–8) is 2-3 in the UFC overall, and has lost his last two of his last three bouts. A win against Gleison Tibau was the lone bright spot of late. Green’s last eight fights have ended in decision, an issue that has plagued Pearson as well. Nine of his past ten fights have gone the distance. The lone stoppage was a fight Pearon was on the wrong end of, a knockout (knee) loss to Dan Hooker.
UFC Philadelphia takes place March 30 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. Justin Gaethje vs. Edson Barboza headlines.
