Aaron Riley is set to take on Ultimate Fighter Ross Pearson.
On paper, the experience advantage is significant.
Aaron Riley has fought professionally 40 times, opponent Ross Pearson 12 times.
Riley knows that he is the type of fighter that an up-and-comer would love to beat to establish themselves.
“The experience is a good thing to have, but I also realize that he’s going to be coming to try and make a point and show that he belongs here in the UFC,” Riley told MMAMadness.com.
When Riley steps into the octagon against Pearson at UFC 105, he expects to see a fighter that brings much to the table.
“I’ve seen some video of him and it looks like he’s a tough fighter,” Riley said. “It’s a good opportunity for him, so I know that he’ll be looking to prove a point.”
Riley will fight in Pearson’s home country of England. While a hostile crowd might be a new experience to some, Riley has experience beating the hometown hero.
He has already defeated Steve Claveau, Michihiro Omigawa, and Maicon Alarcao in their respective home countries of Canada, Japan, and Brazil.
Rather than let the hostile crowd affect him, Riley feeds off of the energy.
“You just got to try to take the negative energy and use it in a positive way so I just use it for motivation,” Riley said. “[The crowd] shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle.”
Riley’s game plan for this fight is simple.
“We’re going to use my strengths and try to exploit his weaknesses,” Riley said.
If he is able to do that, Riley will garner a win over an Ultimate Fighter winner, and help to solidify his spot in the UFC. He has already begun to carve out that spot with his first multi-fight deal.
“It’s good to finally have a longer term deal with [the UFC],” Riley said. “I’ve only had one fight deals in the past. I like the organization and they treat us pretty well so I’m pleased with it.”
