Cub Swanson and Ross Pearson got the ‘UFC On FX 4’ main card off to an entertaining start this evening with a competitive scrap that ended with an impressive TKO victory for Swanson in the second round.
The first round was highly competitive stuff. Swanson was the faster, more mobile fighter, but Pearson looked crisp with his boxing and was mixing things up better, including a solid takedown early in the round, though Swanson was quickly back to his feet.
Pressing forward Pearson threw a nice head kick, but before long Swanson responded with a punch that knocked the UK fighter off-balance, staggering him back across the Octagon.
Swanson then caught Pearson off-guard with a spinning capoeira kick and then from his back connected with an upkick. Pearson was unphased though and responded by dropping in with a big strike into his guard and more to follow that up. Eventually they get back to the feet though and Pearson ended the round as the aggressor on the feet.
In the second round Swanson was being the more creative fighter, but nevertheless Pearson appeared to be imposing his will and was doing well in the striking department, though by the mid-point of the round he was sporting a cut on his face.
Swanson then got a little reckless with his striking and Pearson capitalized by taking him down and working some effective ground and pound before they get back upright.
Then with less than a minute of the round left Pearson came charging forward only to be met with a front kick to the face followed by a couple of swatting right hands by the retreating Swanson.
For good measure Swanson finished that combination with a left hook and it landed flush to Pearson’s jaw just as he was attempting a knee strike and it sent him crashing dazed into the cage and then onto the mat.
Swanson then only required a further couple of strikes before the referee jumped in to bring an end to the fight with 4.14mins on the clock.
This was a big win against a respected opponent for Swanson, and while his slightly reckless style won’t always guarantee him a victory, it’s certainly entertaining to watch and should endear him to the UFC fans and keep him in the good books of the company brass.
