UFC Sweden Aftermath: Where does Ross Pearson Go From Here?

What's Next For Ross Pearson?
by Jack Broadey - @j3ck_B

Pearson finds himself in an intriguing position at the moment, he's exciting to watch whoever he is put in with, but you just get the sense he is never going to be in title contention.

Following his win on Saturday, its safe to say Pearson looks to be back in his proper weight class now after a brief  unsuccessful jaunt to Featherweight where he went 1-1 losing by knockout for the 1st time in his career and arguably losing to Junior Assuncao who is no where near the level of Pearson.

Lightweight is Pearson's home. He looks most comfortable there and always looks the strong man in the cage whoever he's matched up against. I was impressed with Pearson's performance In his last fight before dropping down in weight against Edson Barboza. This got me thinking, "is it best to put Pearson in fun matchups?"

Fun matchups are often meaningless to the division as a whole though. Fights like George Sotiropolous, fights like Ryan Couture both yielded fantastic KO victories for Pearson but did nothing for him in terms of advancing him in the division, they did however advance his reputation as a fun fighter.

In my opinion the UFC need 'fun fighters' guys like Joe Lauzon and Chris Lytle who are never going to be close to winning a title but always help sell a card and put on exciting fights.

Is this Pearson's calling card? I believe it can be if he embraces it. I would like to see him in with someone like Joe Lauzon, Nate Diaz or Donald Cerrone in the future - An exciting, stand up fight that brings the best out of him.

Only time will tell Pearson's true status in the division, personally I would like to see Pearson in with the Evan Dunham-Rafael Dos Anjos winner, or even Jamier Varner, and lets see if Pearson is just a fun fighter or if he is ready to start moving up the division again.