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Sunderland-born MMA fighter Ross Pearson will take on Francisco Trinaldo at UFC Boston tonight where he will attempt to record his 19th professional MMA win and start off 2016 in the best possible fashion.

Pearson's recent UFC run has been up-and-down.

He has won three out of his five last contests in the octagon against Gray Maynard, Sam Stout and Paul Felder, however, sandwiched in between those wins have been losses to Al Iaquinta and Evan Dunham.

At a UFC media day this week in Boston, Pearson admitted that this start-stop run has frustrated him.

"It's the thing that is holding me back, stopping me getting in the top 10, top 15 where I know I am," said Pearson.

"No one is questioning my ability, my fight performances or anything like that.

"It's just the consistency and consistency comes from staying in the gym all the time, working out all the time and trying new things and new coaches and trying to play the game and avoid niggling injuries."

(Image: FightStorePro)

Injuries have been something that in previous years have stopped Pearson's surge to the top of the lightweight division.

Back in 2014, he suffered a serious knee injury which forced him to pull out of a much-anticipated fight against Melvin Guilard at UFC Fight Night 37.

However, he says those days are behind him and he is now feeling better than ever before.

"I've been in this sport a long time, this is my 18th fight in the UFC," said Pearson.

"I know what it feels like to feel good and I know what it feels like to feel bad. I've been through the ups and I've been through the downs so I feel that is guiding me to consistency.

"I know when I feel good, I fight good and I know this is this the start of me moving forward and putting together some big wins and taking out some big names."

Pearson's opponent this weekend is not a man to be taken lightly. Francisco Trinaldo is a highly experienced fighter with a pro record of 18-4.

Trinaldo is riding high on a four-fight win streak having defeated Leandro Sila, Akbarth Arreola, Norman Parke and Chad Laprise within the last 18 months.

(Image: FightStorePro)

Pearson said he is well aware of what his opponent brings to the table and that he was ready for a tough battle this Sunday.

"He's a big 155-er, he's got a grinding style and likes to pressure a lot," he added. "He throws heat and heavy shots.

"He's not the most technical guy in the world but he uses his power to close the distance, grind you down, to beat you up and smother you."

Pearson however, feels he will prove to be too much for the Brazilian on the night.

"I just feel I'm too sharp, my movement is a little too good and my angles are going to be too tricky for him."

"I'm a step above him. Everything he throws I have a counter for and I'm going to answer three or four times. It's about staying focused, staying sharp, staying ready and letting go. Letting go and having fun out there.

"I feel I'm a step above and on Sunday I'm going to go out there and prove it."

Ross Pearson vs Francisco Trinaldo will open up the UFC Boston main card which starts at 3am on Monday morning on BT Sport 2.