The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 9 lightweight winner Ross Pearson (10-3) will make his third appearance inside the Octagon when he takes on Dennis Siver (15-6) at UFC Fight Night 21 on March 31 in North Carolina, according to a report from Fighter's Only.

Pearson bulldozed his way through A.J. Wenn, Richie Whitson, and Jason Dent to eventually capture the TUF crown by besting Andre Winner via unanimous decision at the Season 9 Finale in June of last year.

The Team Rough House product is a scrappy 155-pounder with plenty of heart -- and proved he's "The Real Deal" by dominating the heavily-favored Aaron Riley en route to a second round TKO at UFC 105 last November in Manchester.

He'll look to continue his hot streak against the surging German.

Like Pearson, Siver has been electric in his past three fights, perhaps even more so after scoring convincing finishes in all three contests. After a first round strangulation of Dale Hartt at UFC 99 in June 2009, he followed up that performance with a good old-fashioned ass-kicking of Paul Kelly at UFC 105 in November.

Two red hot lightweights, one spot on the ladder. Don't be surprised if this one is in the running for "Fight of the Night."

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on the still developing UFC Fight Night 21 fight card, including confirmation of the recently announced main event between Kenny Florian and Takanori Gomi.