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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - JUNE 21: Ross Pearson flexes after making weight during the UFC on FX official weigh in at Revel Casino on June 21, 2012 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ross Pearson

TRAINING: Mornings start with either wrestling, BJJ, sparring, or drilling with the team at Alliance MMA. Afternoon would be either pads, conditioning, technical drilling, learning, or perfecting the game plan for the fight with my coaches here at Alliance MMA.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I have been competing in Martial Arts from a young age, starting with Taekwondo and Judo. My Mam took me along to a class when I was a child as a way to channel my energy. I started doing MMA when I was 17 after watching the early UFC shows.

What ranks and titles have you held? The Ultimate Fighter season nine lightweight winner. Total Combat International Lightweight Champ, Strike and Submit British Lightweight Champ and Ultimate Force British Lightweight Champ.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is Randy Couture, he is a legend in the sport.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true. It has taken a lot of hard work and determination to get here and it means the world to me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Carilion Craft Training to become a bricklayer.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a bricklayer working on construction sites from leaving school until I made the decision to turn pro.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I held the Total Combat British Semi Pro Title.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Total Combat International Lightweight Champ, Strike and Submit British Lightweight Champ and Ultimate Force British Lightweight Champ

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in Taekwondo and Brown Belt in Judo.

Favorite grappling technique: Armbar

Favorite Striking technique: Big Left Hook, Right Hand