Melvin Guillard vs. Ross Pearson rematch added to UFC's March 8 event in London

Melvin Guillard and Ross Pearson said they’d be happy to book a rematch after their disappointing UFC Fight Night 30 no contest, and UFC officials wasted no time in getting it done.

Guillard and Pearson will square off on March 8 at London’s O2 Arena at an event that will also feature Alexander Gustafsson (15-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC). Broadcast plans haven’t been announced.

UFC exec Garry Cook revealed the plans during Saturday’s post-UFC Fight Night 30 press conference at Phones 4u Arena in Manchester, England. Further details remain scarce about the UFC European Tour, but according to officials, it’ll include events in major European cities beginning in 2014.

Guillard (31-12-2 MMA, 12-8 UFC) and Pearson (15-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) met in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 30 event, and fireworks were expected between the two sluggers. However, just as the two settled into their groove, Pearson fired a flying knee that Guillard blocked, and the two hit the deck in a scramble. As Pearson worked up to his feet, Guillard blasted him with a pair of knees that opened a gash on Pearson’s forehead.

Referee Marc Goddard ruled the second blow illegal, though replays were inconclusive at best. Pearson’s hand appeared to touch the canvas somewhere between the first and second blow, earning him the protection bestowed up a “downed opponent,” but it was a razor-thin call. The gaping cut on Pearson’s forehead was enough for doctors to stop the contest, and with the fight still in the opening round and the foul deemed unintentional, the bout was ruled a no contest.

Now, however, they’ll get to do it again.

For more on the UFC European Tour show in London, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Ross Pearson)