Castillo, Pearson pick up wins on UFC 141 SpikeTV prelims
Ross Pearson, winner The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9, was making the drop to featherweight for the first time on the…
Ross Pearson, winner The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9, was making the drop to featherweight for the first time on the final Spike TV preliminary fight ever on the UFC 141: “Lesnar vs. Overeem” undercard against tough Brazilian veteran Junior Assuncao.
While “The Real Deal” was hoping to dominate with his constant forward pressure, it was Assuncao who frustrated him repeatedly by constantly moving backward on his bicycle and occasionally attacking with clinch and takedown attempts.
Pearson had serious issues finding his range early, not landing anything significant in the first round.
In round two, Pearson came out hot, dropping the Brazilian with a stiff jab and keeping the heat on him with constant pressure. Assuncao responded with strong jabs and attempts to take the fight to the ground, but the second was clearly Pearson’s.
Despite the short notice, and having recently fought just more than one month ago, Castillo got off to a terrific start, throwing “The Assassin” all across the cage and outgrappling him thoroughly. Njokuani was able to pop back to his feet for the most part, but he was completely on the defensive for the majority of the round.
Castillo began to wear down a bit in the second, perhaps showing signs of fatigue from the short notice, and Njokuani capitalized with superior stand-up technique and even hurting “Last Call” with some knees in the Muay Thai plum.
The Team Alpha Male fighter bounced back in the latter half of the round with his wrestling to make it close, but it was likely not enough.
The third round decided the fight.
Danny “Last Call” Castillo Vs. Anthony Njokuani
Fight was scheduled for 3 rounds (5x5x5)
Danny Castillo def. Anthony Njokuani via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Junior “Junior” Assuncao Vs. Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson
Fight was scheduled for 3 rounds (5x5x5)
Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)