Ryan Couture became the first second-generation UFC fighter at Saturday night's UFC on FUEL 9 event, but unfortunately for him, that's where the positive history ended. He'll have to chase his first octagon victory on another day after Ross Pearson finished him in a second-round TKO.
The time was 3:45.
Couture didn't perform badly. In fact, he arguably won the first round, tying Pearson in total strikes landed 20-20, but landing 17 significant strikes to Pearson's six, according to FightMetric. He also landed a takedown in the round.
More Coverage: UFC on FUEL 9 Results | UFC news
Download MMA Fighting iPhone App
Pearson didn't stray from his tight offensive approach however, and the fight's momentum changed during a ground scramble when Pearson landed a couple of thudding left hands. Couture got to his feet, but Pearson teed off with power strikes. As Couture tried to circle out to his right, Pearson timed a crushing left hook that dropped Couture. He then followed with several punches before the referee called a halt to the night's co-main event.
"It was just patience, timing, not over-committing too much," he said afterward. "I think I'm getting a little bit older, wiser."
The impressiveness of the win was intensified when Pearson revealed that he likely broke his left foot while warming up just before the bout.
It was his second straight knockout since moving back to lightweight after a brief fun at 145. He's now 15-6 overall.
Couture saw a four-fight win streak snapped, dropping him to 6-2.