British lightweight contender Ross Pearson scored a decisive knockout victory over George Sotiropoulos in the main event of UFC on FX 6 in Queensland, Australia.

Pearson coached against Sotiropoulos on The Ultimate Fighter: Smashes series which led to the grudge match on the Gold Coast earlier tonight.

The Sunderland native started strongly and toppled his opponent with a precise leg kick early in the first round.

Sotiropoulos recovered in front of his home crowd to secure a takedown and nearly locked in a rear-naked choke as the opening session came to a close.

Pearson regained his composure to drop the Aussie in the second with a stiff hook before finishing the job in the third with a hard right hook.

Referee Marc Goddard waved the contest off following the third knockdown to give the Brit his first win of 2012.