• UFC 147

Pearson puts name in the hat for Aldo fight

ESPN staff
April 26, 2012
Ross Pearson is scheduled to fight Cub Swanson © Getty Images
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Ross Pearson is ready to help the UFC out by taking a featherweight title fight with Jose Aldo, if the Brazilian needs a rival at UFC 147.

UFC president Dana White finds himself in need of a main event for UFC 147, after Anderson Silva v Chael Sonnen had to be switched to UFC 148 in Las Vegas. White suggested 145lb champion Aldo is likely to fill the breach.

However, Aldo is finding it difficult to find opponents. Hatsu Hioki has asked for more time, which has been granted as he prepares instead to face Ricardo Lamas.

Dustin Poirier would also ideally take his time in building towards a title shot, and he is booked to fight the Korean Zombie in mid-May.

The situation leaves Erik Koch as the most likely challenger to Aldo's belt, but Pearson insists he would step up. The Brit has his own fight to prepare for against Cub Swanson, but he tweeted: "If nobody is ready to step in and fight Aldo I will do it tomorrow!"

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