UFC Fight Night 42 results: Diego Sanchez wins split decision over Ross Pearson

The co-main event of tonight's (Sat., June 7, 2014) UFC Fight Night 42: "Henderson vs. Khabilov" event at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Fox Sports 1 featured Diego Sanchez hoping to snap a two-fight losing streak against British banger Ross Pearson.

In front of a partisan crowd, no less.

It wasn't the bloodbath many were likely expecting in the first few minutes. In fact, Sanchez took a measured approach to his striking, staying patient and dipping in and out with combinations. Pearson had hard counter punches waiting for him each time.

And they appeared to be doing damage.

"The Nightmare" closed the opening frame strong with a flurry of hard shots that nearly knocked "The Real Deal" off his feet.

In the second, Pearson methodically picked Diego apart. He was finding a home for his right hand and late in the round he stuck Sanchez with a shot hard enough to put him on his ass.

His response was to stand right back up, and ask Ross to come in for more.

Because of course that was his response.

The round ended with Diego rushing in with a flurry of punches to reestablish himself. The crowd was hot, but the Brit had clearly won the round, and it wasn't even close.

Sanchez slowed down again in the third, and the boo birds came out. With three minutes left in the fight, Diego was clearly behind but acting as though he had all the time in the world.

With one minute remaining, Sanchez finally got aggressive but Pearson was making him pay for it with solid counters that were landing with accuracy. The horn sounded and both fighters raised their arms. It seemed silly for Diego to do so because he clearly lost.

Then, the judges scorecards were read: 30-27 Pearson, 30-27 Sanchez, and 29-28 Sanchez.

Wow.

For complete UFC Fight Night 42 results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action click here.