pay-per-view from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Assuncao (13-4) won in his UFC return in September by outpointing Eddie Yagin at UFC 135. Pearson (12-5) defeated Spencer Fisher in February and then lost to Edson Barboza in August.
Round 1: Mario Yamasaki gets us started and there's no glove touch here. They take their time feeling one another out. Pearson comes in first and Assuncao drops under for a takedown. He puts Pearson down, but can't keep him there. When the Brit gets up he's back on the attack with a punch combo. Assuncao is already showing some welts around his eyes. Pearson continues stalking him, and Assuncao tries to keep him at bay with kicks as he circles away. Assuncao tries a takedown and gets stuffed. He doesn't seem to want to engage with Pearson on the feet at all. Aside from a few solitary punches and kicks, he's spending most of his time employing evasive maneuvers. Good counter by Assuncao, followed by a couple nice body kicks. Pearson continues following him around the cage until the horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores it 10-10.
Round 2: Assuncao manages the briefest of takedowns to start the second, but Pearson won't be kept down for long. The Brit is definitely the more aggressive fighter, but he's spending too much time chasing and not enough time connecting right now. Assuncao tries a nifty little leg sweep, but ends up giving up top position. Pearson can't do much with it and lets him back up. Pearson lands a glancing head kick after some inconsequential clinch fighting. A straight shot from Pearson stings Assuncao and drops him for just a moment. Pearson smells blood and tries to close the distance with punches and knees. Assuncao is bloodied up, but clear-eyed. He survives the onslaught and comes back with a hook behind the ear that wobbles Pearson just a bit. Assuncao looks for a takedown, but Pearson leg trips him to the mat. Assuncao rises again and returns the favor. Good punches from Assuncao as Pearson scrambles up just before the horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Pearson.
Round 3: Pearson blows a mist of blood from his nose as they face off in the center. Assuncao shoots and gets the takedown, then looks to take Pearson's back. Pearson stays calm and gets to his feet without incurring any extra damage. Assuncao elbows his way out of the clinch and then comes back in for another takedown and another look at Pearson's back. Pearson struggles to free himself and eventually succeeds, but Assuncao is back on him in a hurry, suffocating him in close. Assuncao's right eye is looking bad, and Pearson targets it with a jab. Assuncao shoots for a slow, tired takedown and Pearson stuffs it. Pearson lands a few nice hooks in close, then hurts Assuncao with a kick on the way in. Assuncao keeps the pressure on, and Pearson ends up playing the clinch game again. Final seconds now and Pearson attacks with a hook that forces Assuncao to cover up, then adds a knee as Assuncao retreats. The crowd gets up for it, perhaps just out of desperation for a finish, but Assuncao is going to make it to the final horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Pearson.
Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Dong Hyun Kim def. Sean Pierson via unanimous decision at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Sean Pierson takes a breather at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Dong Hyun Kim punches Sean Pierson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Dong Hyun Kim throws a front kick at Sean Pierson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Efrain Escudero attempts a choke on Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Efrain Escudero throws a punch at Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jacob Volkmann throws a punch en route to a decision win over Efrain Escudero at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Diego Nunes throws a kick at Manvel Gamburyan en route to a unanimous decision win at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Diego Nunes kicks Manvel Gamburyan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Diego Nunes punches over Manvel Gamburyan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Danny Castillo def. Anthony Njokuani via split decision at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Anthony Njokuani throws a kick at Danny Castillo at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Anthony Njokuani throws a knee at Danny Castillo at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Danny Castillo takes down Anthony Njokuani at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Danny Castillo takes down Anthony Njokuani at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer carries the round three card at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Junior Assuncao tries to get on top of Ross Pearson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Ross Pearson charges Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Ross Pearson clinches and knees Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Ross Pearson throws a knee at Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jimy Hettes punches Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jimy Hettes takes down Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jimy Hettes ground and pounds Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jimy Hettes ground and pounds Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Johny Hendricks def. Jon Fitch via 12-second KO at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Jon Fitch stunned at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Johny Hendricks celebrates his win over Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Johny Hendricks def. Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Johny Hendricks knocks out Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alexander Gustafsson celebrates his win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone lands a punch on Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone keeps distance from Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem throws a right hand at Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem knees the body of Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem hurts Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem finishes Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem watches his fallen opponent Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem celebrates his win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Alistair Overeem def. Brock Lesnar via TKO at 2:26 of round one at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Brock Lesnar announces his retirement after his loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Brock Lesnar kisses his wife after leaving the cage at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz celebrates his win with his teammates at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone loses the unanimous decision to Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz walks to his corner at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone show each other respect at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone kicks Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz kicks Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone pushes forward against Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz raises his arms at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz punches the body of Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz connects cleanly on Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone lands a kick to Nate Diaz's face at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Nate Diaz attacks Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 141 Fight Night Photos
Donald Cerrone sits in his corner at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting