Sean Pierson

Sean Ian Pierson (born March 10, 1976) is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist. A professional from 1999 until 2013, he fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator.

Background Pierson began wrestling in the fourth grade and competed all the way through college, attending Brock University, and was a member of the Canadian National Team for the Greco-Roman and Freestyle categories. Pierson's other accomplishments in the sport include winning multiple national championships in the Greco-Roman category and a Canadian university national freestyle championship. Pierson also trained in judo during high school.

Mixed martial arts career Bellator Fighting Championships Pierson was set to compete in Bellator's Second Season Welterweight Tournament but an injury forced him out of the tournament. He was set to have his first fight against Dan Hornbuckle which would have taken place at Bellator 15.

Ultimate Fighting Championship After TJ Waldburger had to pull out of his fight with Matthew Riddle at UFC 124 due to injury, it was announced on October 27 that Pierson had signed with the UFC to step in on short notice. After outstriking Riddle over three fast-paced rounds, Pierson won a unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27). The fight was dubbed by Dana White as the real Fight of the Night.

Pierson was expected to face Brian Foster on April 30, 2011, at UFC 129. However, Foster was forced out of the bout with an injury, and replaced by Jake Ellenberger. Pierson lost to Ellenberger via first-round KO after he was caught by a counter left.

Pierson fought Dong Hyun Kim on December 30, 2011, at UFC 141. Pierson was defeated by Kim via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Pierson defeated Jake Hecht by unanimous decision on June 8, 2012, at UFC on FX 3.

Pierson was expected to face Dan Miller on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152. However, Miller pulled out of the bout after getting news about his son's kidney transplant operation and was replaced by Lance Benoist. Pierson defeated Benoist via unanimous decision.

Pierson was expected to face Rick Story on March 16, 2013, at UFC 158. However, he was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Quinn Mulhern.

Pierson was expected to face TJ Waldburger on June 15, 2013, at UFC 161. However, Waldburger was pulled from the event and replaced by Kenny Robertson. Despite being hurt in the third round, Pierson won the fight by majority decision.

Personal life Pierson lives in the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville north of downtown Toronto, is married and has two sons. Pierson has at least temporarily left his job at the Toronto police force, since they would not allow him to have a secondary source of income as a UFC fighter while being employed by the force. The police force was against Pierson's participation in these events because of the nickname "Pimp Daddy" he used in his early twenties.

Sean Pierson has been involved with several other UFC fighters (Sam Stout, Mark Hominick, and Matt Mitrione) as part of a Toronto area anti-bullying program.

Pierson is a top video game player having won tournaments and finishing third in a Canada Wonderland tournament.

Mixed martial arts record Win

Kenny Robertson Decision (majority) UFC 161

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Win

Lance Benoist Decision (unanimous) UFC 152

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Win

Jake Hecht Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Johnson vs. McCall

Sunrise, Florida, United States Loss

Dong Hyun Kim Decision (unanimous) UFC 141

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Jake Ellenberger KO (punches) UFC 129

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Win

Matthew Riddle Decision (unanimous) UFC 124

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Win

Ricky Goodall TKO (punches) W-1 New Ground

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Win

Fabio Holanda KO (punches) Wreck MMA: Fight for the Troops

Gatineau, Quebec, Canada Catchweight (173 lbs) bout. Win

Jason Rorison TKO (punches and knees to the body) Ringside MMA: Rage Fighting

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Win

Iraj Hadin TKO (punches) W-1 MMA 2: Unplugged

Gatineau, Quebec, Canada Win

Jacob MacDonald Submission (punches) TKO 35: Quenneville vs Hioki

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Loss

Jesse Bongfeldt TKO (punches) HCF: Unfinished Business

Alberta, Canada Win

Chester Post TKO (punches) TKO: MMA 2007 Tourney

Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada Loss

Steve Vigneault Decision (unanimous) TKO 13: Ultimate Rush

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Win

Mark Colangelo Submission (armbar) UCC 10: Battle for the Belts 2002

Gatineau, Quebec, Canada Loss

John Alessio KO (head kick) UCC 7: Bad Boyz

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Win

Ali Nestor Charles Submission (heel hook) UCC 3: Battle for the Belts

Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Loss

Chad Saunders Submission (heel hook) IFC: Warriors Challenge 8

Friant, California, United States Win

Steve Vigneault TKO (punches) IFC: Battleground 2000

Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada Welterweight debut. Win

Steve Vigneault TKO (punches) IFC: Montreal Cage Combat

Montreal, Quebec, Canada