Q: What has been the biggest improvement to Ross' style since he joined the team at Alliance? 

Eric: “We helped Ross improve his wrestling and grappling, and also pushed his conditioning to a higher level. His ability to set a pace and feel confident in his takedowns and takedown defense has shown most improvement.”

Q: He joined the camp before his fight with Edson Barboza (UFC 134 - Barboza won by split decision). Were you happy with that ‘Fight of the Night’ performance? 

“As coaches we’re never satisfied with a split-decision loss, but as a fan of Ross his pace and aggressiveness set up the ‘Fight of The Night’ performance. So yes, we were happy he was aggressive and the way in which he implemented his game plan.”

Q: How does his personality fit in with the rest of the camp? 

“Ross fits right in with the rest of the Alliance MMA family. We are all a bunch of misfits brought together by a crazy sport and the desire to help each other achieve success every time we compete. He is truly an athlete that believes in training hard and being a leader; he is aggressive and loves to train hard. So he is always there to push his partners so that they push him just as hard.”

Q: Who are his main sparring partners? 

“Jeremy Stephens, Michael Chandler, Dominick Cruz, Erin Beach, Rolando Perez, Myles Jury, and a lot of others I’m forgetting.”

Q: He talks of being very focused on his ground game these days, but is there a concern his striking is suffering?

“None. When he is in camp for a fight we try to balance out every aspect of a fight. We try to train every aspect of a fight equally. When he is outside of camp or a fight is not scheduled. We have been focusing on his BJJ game, and his wrestling.”

Q: And Ross's work ethic?

“He is one of the hardest workers in the gym. I don’t think I remember him ever asking me for time off in camp. I have to tell him to take a day. He loves to train and compete.”

Q: How does his speed, aggression, and work ethic match up against other members of the team?

“(Laughs) Now that is a great question, and this is the ‘benefit’ of being a coach of such a great team. I get to watch ringside day in and day out some the best matchups that fans would love to see... Let me just say this, Ross Pearson is one of the most well rounded fighters on our team, and it’s an honor to be part of his story.”