TUF Champion Ross Pearson announces retirement from MMA at age 34

R.Pearson announces retirement from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/FacebookRossPearson

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter 9, in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg), Ross Pearson officially announced his retirement from MMA. The revelation took place last Monday afternoon (8) on his private Instagram account. The fighter, however, considers competing in other sports.

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“After long conversations, and much consideration with my family, friends and team, I have decided it is time to retire from MMA fighting,” Ross wrote. “As difficult as it is, it is not the end of my career as a competitor. I will always be a fighter and right now I am focused on my next step,” Pearson posted.

The 'Real Deal', as he likes to be called, also took the opportunity to thank everyone who supported him during his career in the sport.

“I would like to thank everyone at the UFC, for counting on me over the last 10 years, and Dana White, for seeing something in me that he believed in all these years,” wrote the athlete. “To my family, team, friends; Your support has been endless and I thank you for it,” Pearson posted.

 

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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. 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 to 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 @coach_jamie_pittman_ @centralcoastbarbell And to all my fans, thanks for all the love & support! Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson

A publication shared by rosstherealdeal (@rosstherealdeal) on 8 from Apr, 2019 to 5: 54 PDT

Ross made his Ultimate debut on TUF 9, in 2009, when he beat Englishman Andre Winner by unanimous decision from the judges. Since then, Pearson has had ups and downs in the organization, having fought another 25 times for the company.

Pearson ends his career with a record of 37 fights, 20 wins, 16 losses and one fight without result. Their last clash took place in March this year, in UFC Philadelphia, when he was knocked out by Desmond Green, in the first round.

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