UFC 105 Preview: The Main Card

Ross Pearson vs. Aaron Riley

The Breakdown: Pearson, the other debuting “The Ultimate Fighter 9” winner, gets no easy road, either, as he has been slotted against a consummate professional. Both men are versatile fighters, but Pearson has youth on his side. Riley is a veteran of 40 fights, many of which came with a heavy toll.

That physical debt continues to collect on Riley’s game. He has gradually lost a step or two in the cage, which is often more than enough to take a fighter right out of it. Unless Riley finds Randy Couture’s fountain of youth, he will have to face off with a younger, better version of himself.

The X-Factor: If nothing else, Riley has proven himself a tough competitor who never backs down from a fight. Pearson beat Andre Winner at “The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale by outlasting him; that does not appear to be as wise a strategy against someone as savvy as Riley.

* * *

The Bottom Line: Take Pearson in a close fight in which Riley cannot find the extra gear needed to win. With that, mass chaos will be averted, as just enough of the local fighters notch wins to keep the peace.