Ross Pearson Retires From MMA Competition

UFC Ultimate Fighter 9 winner Ross Pearson has announced his retirement from professional MMA competition, ending a career that began in December of 2004.

A now retired Pearson made the announcement via Instagram:

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 post shared by rosstherealdeal (@rosstherealdeal) on Apr 8, 2019 at 5:54pm PDT

Pearson retires with a professional MMA record of 20-16-0-1NC, with notable wins coming over Andre Winner, Aaron Riley, Dennis Siver, Spencer Fisher, Junior Assuncao, George Sotiropoulus, Ryan Couture, Gray Maynard, Sam Stout, Paul Felder, Chad Laprise and Mizuto Hirota. Pearson was last seen in action at UFC Fight Night Philadelphia, suffering a first round TKO loss to Desmond Green.