Perhaps the biggest disappointment from UFC Fight Night 30: "Machida vs. Munoz" was the co-main event that featured Melvin Guillard facing Ross Pearson in the Octagon at the Phones4u Arena in Manchester, England. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veterans are known for putting on some incredibly violent fights, and their meeting Saturday (Oct. 26, 2013) afternoon should have been a candidate for an "of the Night" bonus.
Unfortunately, the bout ended in a controversial "No Contest" with Guillard landing several knees to the head while Pearson was a "grounded opponent." Though the knees landed flush, because Pearson's hand was on the ground, it was deemed illegal.
Those knees opened up a huge cut on Pearson's forehead and left the British fighter wearing the mark of Voldemort.
Joe Rogan spoke with both Pearson and Guillard after the fight and they agreed that they wanted to do it again in England. It seems like the UFC is open to it as they have officially announced the rematch for the March 8th card in London.
REMATCH!!! RT @UFCTonight: BREAKING: @Young__Assassin vs. @RossTheRealDeal will be on for March 8th in London!
— UFCONFOX (@UFCONFOX) October 26, 2013
This is the UFC making the best of a really bad situation. The fight was definitely going Guillard's way as he pummeled Pearson on the feet. Those knees, while illegal, didn't so much change the flow of the fight so much as they just demonstrated Guillard's dominance.
It was clearly a bout that Zuffa believed would excite fans which is why we're going to see Pearson and Guillard do it again next spring.
For complete UFC Fight Night 30 results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action click here.