Ross Pearson’s post-UFC run began not in a cage, but in a ring.
The 34-year-old Pearson (1-0 boxing) made his professional boxing debut on Wednesday in Australia, and “The Real Deal” earned a second-round TKO over Salar King (5-11) in a middleweight (160 pounds) clash.
Pearson, who last fought for the UFC less than two months ago, insists this new combat sports foray is no one-off, telling SportingNew.com.au prior to the contest that he plans on making a run in the sport.
“World level,” Pearson told Sporting News when asked about his boxing goals. “I’m serious. World level.
“I can fight anyone. I’ve got all the punches and durability, and now it’s about learning the sport – the combinations, patterns and timing of the fight.”
England’s Pearson (20-16 MMA, 12-13 UFC) debuted in the UFC in 2009, earning is way into the promotion as the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 9.” He went on to compete for a decade in the octagon before announcing his retirement in April following a TKO loss to Desmond Green at UFC on ESPN 2.
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