Ross Pearson talks Barboza fight and making move to featherweight

Isaac Guzman, reporting for ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) caught up with The Ultimate Fighter season nine lightweight winner Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson (12-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) over the weekend at Bellator 55 in Yuma, Ariz.

Pearson was at the event cornering friend and training partner Erin Beach, who ended up scoring a first round submission win over Roscoe Jackson. Pearson talked about Beach’s talent as a fighter and said he has everything it takes to become a top prospect in the sport.

Pearson also discussed his controversial split decision loss to Edson Barboza that took place at UFC 134 back in August (we scored the fight for Pearson). Pearson said he has watched the fight numerous times and feels he controlled the action and did enough to win the bout.

He also does not the feel the loss has negatively affected his career and said the fact he won “fight of the night” shows he is putting on fights fans want to see and the UFC appreciates that.

Pearson said he is absolutely dropping down to the featherweight (145 lbs.) division and is currently making a test cut. Right now he is sitting at about 20 pounds over. “The Real Deal” said he feels good in training, feels fit and strong, but the last ten pounds are going to be the hardest. He also said he feels he will fit right in at the top of the 145 pound division in the UFC and wants “big fights, big names and big opponents”.

Finally, the Sunderland, England, native revealed he wants to make San Diego his permanent residence as soon as he works out a few visa issues. He has already moved his training camps completely to Alliance Training Center in San Diego but said he wants more of that California sun in his life. Fans can follow Ross Pearson on Twitter @RossTheRealDeal.

Also, be sure to check out our interviews with Erin Beach, Alexis Vila and our exclusive photos from Bellator 55.