The Ultimate Fighting Championships has today announced the co-main match up between top British lightweight Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson and Evan Dunham in which is set for its highly anticipated Scottish debut on Saturday, July 18.
Pearson, originally from Sunderland, England, holds a record of 19-8-0. In March of this year he secured an impressive round two KO victory over Sam Stout at UFC 185: PETTIS vs. DOS ANJOS and has since made it clear to UFC matchmakers that he would relish the opportunity to return home to the UK to fight once again.
“I’m always excited to come home and fight in front of my friends and family”. said Pearson. “There’s nothing better than coming back to where it all started, it means so much more and it makes me work harder in my camp and to get that finish.
“Evan is a dangerous guy, I definitely wanted this fight; he’s been around for a while and has made a name for himself. Stylistically this is a great match up, he’ll come forward but I’m the one with the power and technical ability to get the finish.
“The first UFC event in Scotland is going to be an amazing night – people will see world class fighters and fights. You can expect to see fireworks from me, I’m going in looking for that knockout and to make a statement.”
Dunham, originally from Eugene, Oregon but now training out of Las Vegas, Nevada, secured a decision win over Rodrigo Damm at UFC 182: JONES vs. CORMIER in January of this year. Prior to that, Dunham suffered defeat to three of the top ranked fighters within the UFC’s lightweight today – Edson “Junior” Barboza, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and current world champion Rafael dos Anjos. Dunham will undoubtedly be looking to upset British fans in attendance on July 18, and put in a dominant performance when he steps inside the Octagon.
UFC Fight Night 72 is shaping up to be one of the must-see events of the year. There will plenty for Scottish fans to look forward to with Scottish lightweight Stevie “Braveheart” Ray confirmed to face Brazilian Leonardo Mafra on the night, together with Robert “The Hammer” Whiteford who will meet Ireland’s Paul “Redser” Redmond. Also in action will be Joseph “Irish Joe” Duffy who will take on Brazil’s Ivan Jorge, as well as England’s Leon “Rocky” Edwards who faces Polish welterweight Pawel Pawlak.
MMA Plus will keep you updated on this exciting event as we get it.
