Ross Pearson steps into another ring as UFC star changes codes

Ross Pearson has quit UFC and will make his professional boxing debut in a fortnight on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s stoush with Joel Camilleri.

Ross Pearson has quit UFC and will make his professional boxing debut in a fortnight on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s stoush with Joel Camilleri.

The British fighter, now based on the Central Coast, is being trained by former Australian Olympian and world title ­challenger Jamie Pittman for his first boxing bout on May 15 at The Star.

Unlike Conor McGregor, Pearson said his foray into boxing was a long-term plan and he would not return to mixed ­martial arts.

“There’s a passion in boxing that was lit deep inside me from a young age,” 34-year-old Pearson told The Sunday Telegraph.

“I started boxing when I was 12 years old, before UFC was around, and as a kid that’s what I wanted to be — a professional boxer. I got into MMA and was signed to the UFC when I was young — 24.

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“I did well and they kept me around, so I never had the chance to pursue boxing seriously. I am one of the best fighters in the world and I truly believe I can have great success in boxing.

“People know my style in the UFC, I walk forward and I want to fight, and in my past few fights in the octagon I was up against opponents who didn’t want to engage. They wanted to grapple and wrestle on the floor.

Former UFC star Ross Pearson will make his professional boxing debut on May 15.

“Boxing is different — you’ve got two guys who want to bang. It’s been a while since I knocked someone out so on May 15 I’m looking to make a big statement.”

Pearson’s middleweight rival will be confirmed this week.

After marrying Australian UFC ring girl Kristie Pearson, “The Real Deal” relocated permanently to the Central Coast from the UK three years ago, with the couple welcoming a daughter, Gracie, in 2016.

Ross Pearson’s middleweight rival will be comfirmed this week.

Pearson lost to Desmond Green in Philadelphia, retiring from MMA with a record of 20 wins, 16 defeats and one no ­contest.

He earned a full-time UFC contract and went on to beat Denis Siver, Australia’s George Sotoropoulos, Gray Maynard and Sam Stout.

Ross Pearson trains with Jamie Pittman.

“I don’t need to tell people how tough I am — the doubters and naysayers will say I can’t make it in boxing,” Pearson said.

“This is not for money or fame.

“It’s a passion I’ve had my whole life, and I want to answer some questions I’ve had within myself.”