This time, Jorge Masvidal's efforts weren't going to waste in a sketchy split decision.
The ultra-tough American Top Team Fighter once again went the distance in his UFC 201 matchup against Ross Pearson. But it was a one-sided affair on Saturday night at Atlanta's Philips Arena, as Pearson proved plenty tough but lost a sure decision.
The judges' scores were a pair of 29-28s and a 30-27 for a unanimous decision, ending a stretch in which Masvidal (30-11) had lost three out of four fights via split decision.
In the opening round, Masvidal's speed and footwork were simply too much for Pearson, who took the fight on three week's notice and went up from lightweight to welterweight for the bout.
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In the second, Masvidal did everything except finish the fight. He dropped him with a big counter left hand and swarmed him, but the tough-as-nails Sunderland, England native weathered the storm. At another point, Masvidal slammed Pearson directly into the fence.
After the second round concluded, Pearson went to the wrong corner and raised his hands, thinking the fight was over. But there was a round left, and Masvidal played it patiently, not doing anything to give away the fight.
Masvidal was pleased to get back into the win column.
"I thought the referee was going to stop it," Masvidal said. ... "Tough dude."
Pearson (19-12), who lost to Will Brooks on July 8, has lost consecutive fights for the first time in his career.