UFC Vet Ross Pearson Announces Retirement From MMA

After competing in professional mixed-martial-arts for nearly 15 years, UFC vet Ross Pearson has announced his days as a competitor in the sport are done.

Recently the British fighter announced via Instagram that he’s retiring from professional MMA. Pearson did, however, allude to possibly competing in other sports.

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

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Pearson was quickly stopped by Desmond Green at UFC on ESPN 2. The defeat was the 34-year-old’s second straight and the fourth in his last five fights.

Pearson made his way to the UFC back in 2009 by winning TUF 9, and the noted slugger went on to win four of his first, official five bouts with the promotion.  Pearson competed in the UFC over 20 times and retires with a record of 20-16, with 1 no-contest.