UFC lightweight fighter Ross Pearson has announced that he’s retiring from the sport 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,” ‘The Real Deal’ wrote on Instagram. “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. . And to all my fans , thanks for all the love & support ! Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson.”
The likeable Pearson had made his way into the UFC back in 2009 by winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 and he’d rack up seven wins in his first 10 fights for the promotion against the likes of Andre Winner, Aaron Riley, Dennis Siver and Spencer Fisher, Junior Assuncao, George Sotiropoulos and Ryan Couture.
However, the UK star then back to consistently alternate between wins and losses for a years, including wins over some notable names like Gray Maynard, Paul Felder and Chad Laprise, before a further decline saw him lose six of his last seven fights.
