• UFC 132

Pearson predicts more pain for Sotiropoulos

George Sotiropoulos is coming off a defeat to Dennis Siver when he meets Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 132 © Getty Images

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Ross Pearson has a keen eye set on the lightweight shake-up at UFC 132 this weekend, and he is predicting a surprise defeat for George Sotiropoulos.

Pearson is a big MMA fan as well as a fighter, studying many of the fighters in his weight class in order to stay on top of their strengths and weaknesses ahead of potential future clashes.

At UFC 132, one of Pearson's conquests Dennis Siver meets a man the Brit almost fought, Matt Wiman, and Pearson is predicting Siver will come through a tough test against the American.

"I think Matt Wiman is a tough fight. I was scheduled to fight Wiman before Dennis Siver, but Wiman had to pull out with an injury. So this one is an interesting one for me to watch," Pearson told ESPN.

"Matt Wiman is on a roll with the win over Cole Miller, he's got a lot of work ethic, and he fought the fight how I should have fought it [against Miller]. He looked great.

"But I think Siver has got just too difficult a style for Wiman to get around. Dennis Siver will catch him."

Elsewhere, Melvin Guillard takes on Shane Roller, insisting he deserves a higher calibre of opponent after extending his win streak to four with victory over Evan Dunham. Pearson believes Guillard will prove it in Las Vegas.

"Melvin's on a role right now, he's pushing for title contention. I like Melvin and he's a good friend... I think he'll knock him out."

The surprise will arrive in a jiu-jitsu war involving Sotiropoulos and Rafael dos Anjos, according to Pearson, who predicts the Australian is heading for a second straight loss.

"This will be a ground fight. Dos Anjos can submit him. He's got a better all-round MMA game. I know George is coming off a disappointing defeat, but I think he's got another tough one in Dos Anjos."

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