Anthony Pettis Says Tony Ferguson Rematch “Makes Sense”

Anthony Pettis needs to sign a new UFC deal first. But, ‘Showtime’ has let it be known he wants to throw hands with Tony Ferguson again, if and when he steps into the Octagon in 2021. 

Pettis says rematch with Ferguson “makes sense”

The former lightweight champ returned to action this past weekend at UFC Vegas 17, and Pettis worked his way to a decision win over Alex Morono.

Pettis faced some adversity in the opening round, as the fight went to the ground with him on the bottom. But, the star rebounded and outstruck Morono in rounds two and three.

Leading up to the contest, Pettis reported that the fight was the last on his UFC deal. While Pettis isn’t sure about his future yet, he is pretty certain about who he wants to fight next.

When asked about his next bout, following UFC Vegas 17, ‘Showtime’ said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I think Tony makes sense,” Pettis said. “I think Tony Ferguson (is) coming off his two losses and he’s fighting tough dudes.

That’s what I hate about this sport, guys are like ‘Oh, Tony’s done.’ He’s a dangerous dude, but I think that would be a good fight for me to jump back into the lightweight mix, and he’s still right up there.”

“He got me early with those elbows,” Pettis added, while reflecting on his 2018, corner stoppage loss to ‘El Cucuy’. “I think I’ll make some adjustments in there and actually have a full training camp for that.

Not taking nothing from him, but I took that fight on a short notice, the weight cut was horrible, and I just wasn’t mentally there in that process.

I was just like doing these 155 fights because I kinda had to. I didn’t want to and that’s the difference right now.

I’m making the decisions outside the octagon to make these fights go easier.”

Could Ferguson – Pettis 2 happen?

Now in terms of making the most of a callout, Pettis is scoring points here. After all, a win over Ferguson would be a great way to make a big splash in the lightweight division.

But, although Ferguson is coming off back-to-back losses, it would be kind of surprising if he seriously entertained taking this fight.

Pettis remains a big name on account of his previous reign, and various highlight reel wins. But he’s currently not ranked in the top 15 of the UFC’s lightweight division.

Further, Ferguson already holds a win over him. So, ‘El Cucuy’ doesn’t really have much to gain by facing Pettis for a second time. Not right now, anyway.

But, you never know. Maybe we’ll see Ferguson – Pettis II in 2021.