“This has been the most stacked division out of all of them. You’ve got to be active and you’ve got to be decisive. Al Iaquinta isn’t a ranked guy, so I’ve got to go in there and show what a ranked guy can do. I’ve got to go in there and put on a world-class performance – make some noise and show the world that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I don’t fear Al Iaquinta in any way. I don’t fear his striking, I don’t fear his wrestling and I don’t fear his Jiu-Jitsu. I don’t think he’s a better fighter than me. I don’t think he’s got more heart than me and I don’t think he’s got more want than me. I believe it’s going to be a tough fight and I think Al’s going to come as the best Al Iaquinta you’ve ever seen, but he has to be because if he isn’t, he’s going to get knocked out in the first 30 seconds. If this fight goes to a decision, it does nothing for me – I’ve got to finish this guy, I’ve got to look great, and I’ve got to scream out that I’m a Top 5 fighter wanting to go against the best guys in the world. I’m prepared for the worst, but I expect the best and I won’t be happy unless I finish Al Iaquinta in impressive fashion.”

In a recent interview with UFC.com, Ross Pearson explained his expectations in this weekend’s co-main event in Sydney.

Can he live up to them?