The third fight of the UFC 134 pay-per-view is a lightweight bout, Ross Pearson vs. Edson Barboza. The winner of the ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter," Pearson has tasted victory in four of his five official fights under the UFC umbrella. This one won't be that easy though, as Barboza has firmly entrenched himself as the top prospect within the promotion's lightweight division. Referee Mario Yamasaki is in charge of the action.
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ROUND 1 - Barboza opens wildly, just missing a head kick. Pearson presses forward, applying pressure with straight combinations. Barboza checks a head kick and circles away. Pearson connects with a solid left hand and Barboza backs off. Pearson lands another one-two. Barboza counters with a right to the body. Barboza misses a head kick and Pearson moves into the pocket. Pearson lands a solid combination but eats a big spinning back kick on the way out. Pearson dodges a combination and delivers a stiff left uppercut. Superman punch lands for Pearson. The Brit continues to push forward. Pearson slips a strike and lands a shot to the body of Barboza. Pearson shoots in but Barboza stuffs it as the round comes to an end.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Pearson.
ROUND 2 - The two touch gloves to open the second round. Barboza catches a kick and lands a huge counter right hand that floors Pearson. The ‘TUF' champion immediately stands back but he looks wobbly. Barboza is staying patient, working in and out of the pocket with his jab. Pearson seems to have recovered and is pressing the action. Pearson slips a jab and lands a counter right hand. Barboza just misses with a looping right hook. Pearson shoots in and Barboza stuffs it. Pearson lands another counter left hand but eats a shot from Barboza. The Brazilian throws a stiff shot to the liver of Pearson. Barboza connects a left kick to the ribs of Pearson, following up with a spinning back-kick that barely misses. Barboza swings wildly with a head kick but Pearson backs away as the horn sounds.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Barboza.
ROUND 3 - Both fighters look fresh as the third and final round opens. Barboza lands another vicious spinning back kick to the body of Pearson, who answers with a pair of leg kicks. Barboza launches a flying knee that is caught and thrown to the side. Pearson shoots in for the single leg takedown but Barboza fights it off. A large mouse is developing on the side of Pearson's head. Barboza blocks a flying knee attempt and backs away. Pearson ducks under a jab and shoots in, but Barboza stuffs another one. Pearson delivers a stiff leg kick from inside the pocket. Barboza responds with his own leg kick. One minute left in the fight. Barboza briefly stuns Pearson with a stiff jab. Blood is pouring from the right eye of Pearson. The two trade wild exchanges as the bout comes to a close.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Barboza.
UFC 134 results: Edson Barboza defeats Ross Pearson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).