In line with the UFC’s strategy to capitalize on the success and exposure of their Ultimate Fighter champions, the first bout on the UFC Fight Night 21 main card will feature a lightweight contest between The Ultimate Fighter season nine champion Ross Pearson (10-3, 2-0 UFC) and surging German fighter Dennis Siver (15-6, 4-3 UFC).
Pearson is entering this contest after a very impressive TKO victory over Aaron Riley at UFC 105 and what many believed was an upset victory over Andre Winner at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale back in June. Siver has rattled off three straight wins in the UFC after going 1-3 during his first stint with the promotion. In his return, Siver finished both Nate Mohr and Paul Kelly with spinning back kicks and punches at UFC 93 and UFC 105 respectively while submitting Dale Hartt in his home country at UFC 99. Siver earned ‘Knockout of the Night’ honors for both knockout wins.
Interestingly enough, I think this is a match-up that can be very threatening to both fighters. Both Siver and Pearson are strikers first with Siver showcasing a much more dynamic skill-set in his range striking. Pearson seems to be much more technical in his defense and attacks while Siver is a bit more wild, but the significant advantage for Pearson will come in the clinch.
As evident in some of the action against Paul Kelly, Siver had trouble trying to stay off the fence against Kelly. At one moment in the first round, Kelly had Siver in a bad position along the fence threatening with a guillotine transition, but instead landed some heavy knees to Siver’s midsection. Siver’s strategy following the break was to continually backpedal and counter Kelly’s aggressiveness. It worked rather effectively, and the late second round spinning back kick hurt Kelly to the point where he could barely regain his feet.
Pearson isn’t as aggressive, likes to work the jab/overhand combination, and showed solid clinch skills against Andre Winner. If he can manage to overpower Siver along the fence, it should be a successful evening for Pearson.
Easier said than done. Siver’s counter-punching and overall power is formidable. The array of kicks he’s known for throwing can be disruptive, but Pearson’s less aggressive punching should alleviate some of those problems.
On the ground, Siver has some prowess in his grappling, but I think Pearson ultimately has the advantage. Siver is fairly tough to keep down on the ground though, so this could become a real scramble of action as the fight progresses. It definitely isn’t an easy fight for Pearson, but I think he has more tools in his skill-set to stop Siver here. Don’t blink though. Siver may surprise once again.