Ross Pearson defeats Junior Assuncao by Unanimous Decision. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27.
The two fighters opened the first round circling and it was Junior Assuncao who made the first offensive commitment getting the fight to the ground early. As Pearson stood up Junior Assuncao took his back. Pearson escaped and tried to find his range. Assuncao closed the distance and worked for a body lock but was unable to get the fight to the ground. Junior attempted another takedown and Pearson landed with his first significant strike of the fight. Kick to the body landed for Ross Pearson. With 10 seconds left Ross Pearson committed to a superman punch. It didn’t connect. Pearson was unable to find his range in the first round.
Ross Pearson far more aggressive as the second round opens up coming forward with punches and kicks. Junior closed the distance and looked for the takedown. Ross sprawled out and then stepped away with Junior looking to work off his back. Two minutes into the round and Ross was still unable to find his range with Junior constantly closing the distance and clinching up. Huge body punch by Ross Pearson hurt Junior Assuncao and allowed Ross to establish his stand up. Unfortunately he was drawn in and Junior Assuncao clinched up. Assuncao landed an inside elbow which forced Pearson to back away. Pearson tripped Junior to the ground and as he stepped away was taken to the mat by an aggressive Assuncao. The round ended with the fighters trading on their feet. Junior Assuncao had a cut open up under his right eye.
Ross Pearson came out aggressive and was caught by a stiff jab and then quickly taken to the ground. Junior then transitioned to Pearson’s back and began working for an arm bar. Pearson used the submission attempt to get back to his feet but couldn’t back away to reestablish his range. Junior clinched the body and again looked for takedown. On the exit Junior landed a stiff strike. Junior relentless with his takedown attempts and on every failed attempt he landed a damaging strike. As Junior came forward with two minutes remaining he was kneed in the face, the first significant strike for Pearson in the third round. Pearson landed a head kick and springing knee before Assuncao clinched up. Pearson worked to finish the fight with 20 seconds left in the round while Assuncao attempted a takedown to survive the onslaught.
Ross Pearson entered the fight 4-2 in the UFC and 12-5 in his career. Junior Assuncao entered the fight 2-2 in the UFC and 13-4 overall.
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