UFC Fight Night 30 results: Guillard vs. Pearson ruled controversial no contest

MANCHESTER – Melvin Guillard and Ross Pearson seemed well on their way to delivering the fireworks most expected of them until a controversial call left the bout as a disappointing no contest.

The lightweight bout was the co-main event of today’s UFC Fight Night 30 event at Phones4u Arena in Manchester, England. It aired on FOX Sports 2 following prelims on MMAjunkie.com.

The two wasted little time getting to work, both throwing heavy shots from the opening bell. Guillard was content to stay on the outside, slipping punches and firing bombs as Pearson attacked from the center. As they settled into a rhythm, Pearson fired a flying knee that Guillard blocked, and the two hit the deck in a scramble. As Pearson worked up to his feet, Guillard blasted him with a pair of knees that opened a gash on Pearson’s forehead.

Referee Marc Goddard ruled the second blow illegal, though replays were inconclusive at best. Pearson’s hand appeared to touch the canvas somewhere between the first and second blow, earning him the protection bestowed up a “downed opponent,” but it was a razor-thin call. The gaping cut on Pearson’s forehead was enough for doctors to stop the contest, and with the fight still in the opening round and the foul deemed unintentional, the bout was ruled a no contest.

UFC officials have in the past spoken out against the “downed opponent” definition, and as a result of the ruling ultimately elected to pay both Guillard (31-12-2 MMA, 12-8 UFC) and Pearson (15-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) their full purses, including “show” and “win” monies.

Despite the disappointing result, Pearson said he’d be happy to book a rematch.

“I’m sorry,” Pearson said after the fight. “This is not the way I wanted to go out. Me and Melvin were here to put on a show for you guys. We’ll do it again in Manchester. Me and Melvin will fight again”

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 30 results include:

• Melvin Guillard vs. Ross Pearson ruled a no-contest (accidental knee) – Round 1, 1:57
• Jimi Manuwa def. Ryan Jimmo via TKO (injury) – Round 2, 4:41
• Norman Parke def. Jon Tuck via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Nicholas Musoke def. Alessio Sakara via verbal submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:07
• John Lineker def. Phil Harris via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:51
• Al Iaquinta def. Piotr Hallmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Luke Barnatt def. Andrew Craig via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:12
• Jessica Andrade def. Rosi Sexton via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
• Cole Miller def. Andy Ogle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Jimy Hettes def. Robert Whiteford via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 2:17
• Brad Scott def. Michael Kuiper via submission (standing guillotine choke) – Round 1, 4:17

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 30, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

Matt Erickson contributed to this report on-site in Manchester.