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Pearson ready to headline card for 'electric' UK fans

Ross Pearson respectfully dismissed Ryan Couture in his last UFC outing © Getty Images

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Ross Pearson has put his name forward to be on the next UK UFC card, and promised to put on a show if selected to headline against a top-ten lightweight opponent.

Pearson recently stopped Ryan Couture via second round TKO to move towards contention in the 155lb division. A big-name rival is expected next for the powerful Brit.

Previously Pearson has headlined against George Sotiropoulos before taking part in the co-main event against Couture, but he insists it is time to come home to England where he has not competed since beating Aaron Riley in November 2009.

"I've put my name in the hat [for the next UK event] already," Pearson told ESPN. "I need to come back to England. It's been three-and-a-half years, 2009, since I last fought in England.

"I need to fight in front of my fans, Manchester Arena sounds perfect or the North East would be even better.

"I've headlined in Australia, I've co-main evented in Sweden, the UFC always know I'll be in an entertaining fight. I'd be honoured to headline a card in England and I know the support I'd get from the fans would be electric. The place would go crazy."

Pearson wants a top-ten rival, with the likes of Joe Lauzon, TJ Grant, Donald Cerrone or Rafael Dos Anjos all intriguing battles. Although not in the current top-ten, Diego Sanchez would also be an exciting possibility.

However, Pearson points out that he does not need bangers to make an exciting fight, highlighting bouts against grapplers like Sotiropoulos as examples that he can make any fight entertaining.

"I've never been in a dull fight, no matter what style I'm facing," he said. "Whoever the UFC put me with, it's guaranteed to be exciting. Every time the opponent gets tougher, the fight gets more exciting.

"A lot of people are saying I should be tested against a top-ten guy, but I believe I'm a top-ten guy myself. I'll take whoever the UFC offers me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.