George Sotiropoulos responds to Ross Pearson's 'false statements' about backstage TUF Smashes drama

Not so fast, my friend!

UFC lightweight Ross Pearson told an interesting story on The MMA Hour about a backstage scuffle during filming of TUF Smashes between Team UK coach Erin Beach and head coach of Team Australia George Sotiropoulos, claiming Beach knocked Sotiropoulos out.

But that's not even close to what happened, according to Sotiropoulos, who gave an official statement to MMAmania.com concerning the matter.

After all, it's only fair to tell both sides of the story. Check out what the former top lightweight contender had to say below:

It's time to set the record straight with Ross Pearson's false statements.

There was no shortage of drama produced both on and off the set of TUF Smashes.

The incident he describes started with Team UK coach Erin Beach inviting me to fight and directing bold statements towards me on twitter. The following was a confrontation that ended with Beach unsuccessfully seeking refuge in a locked closet, followed with hiding behind a pregnant woman in the producers office.

At no stage was anyone knocked out, locked out or tapped out. Pearson was not present and did not witness the creative story he speaks of.

I'm bewildered as to why Pearson continues to talk about me four months after our fight. He continues to focus and obsess with great enthusiasm and is obviously thinking more about me than I am thinking about him. His problem not mine. If he seeks a rematch I'll gladly oblige him sometime in the future.

Pearson and Sotiropoulos fought in the main event of UFC on FX 6 last December in Gold Coast, Australia where "The Real Deal" managed to score a third round knockout over his Aussie rival.

Update: Ross Pearson responds on Twitter.

"@MMAmaniaNews: .@georgesots Sotiropoulos responds to @RossTheRealDeal sbn.to/10ATK1z" THIS IS BULLSHIT & HE KNOWS IT!!

— Ross Pearson (@RossTheRealDeal) April 9, 2013