It looks like Anthony Pettis is headed for free agency, after the former lightweight champ finished up his UFC contract, with a big win on Saturday night.
Pettis comments on future, now that UFC deal is up
‘Showtime’ and Alex Morono stepped up on a few weeks notice to battle at UFC Vegas 17, which was hosted by the Apex Facility on Saturday.
Pettis was taken to the floor not long into the fight, and took some damage while battling from the bottom in round one. But, the well-rounded fighter rebounded and in round three, he nearly finished Morono with a beautiful, spinning kick.
Leading up to the bout, Pettis confirmed that the fight was the last on his current UFC contract. So, not surprisingly, after the win he was asked about his future, while talking with the media (quote via MMA Junkie).
“I don’t know,” Pettis said. “I think that was the risk of taking this fight and not re-signing (a) UFC contract.
Usually, I re-sign my UFC contract (with) three fights to go or two fights to go. This time, I’m like, ‘I’m 33 years old. I’ve been in this (game).’
This is my 11th-and-a-half year with this company, man. I’ve been with this company for a long time.
“I love this place. I grew up under these lights. They made me who I am.
But at this point, I’m just going to take my time, go to Christmas, have my New Year’s, and then see what happens … in 2021.”
The 33-year-old was also asked about the fact that recently, Dana White said the promotion could be making as many as 60 cuts. But, it sounds like Pettis isn’t concerned about those plans, in terms of his own situation.
“If I were to have let that get to my head, then I would’ve fought a different fight out there,” Pettis said.
“… I don’t think my job was at stake. I’ve earned the right to be fighting where I’m at.
I can fight with the best of them. I beat the guy in the main event of this card, ‘Wonderboy.’ He’s a great fighter.”
Will we see Pettis back in the Octagon?
It will be interesting to see what happens here, and whether ‘Showtime’s’ near decade long run with the UFC comes to an end.
The fact that Pettis is coming off an impressive, and memorable win, will certainly help him at the bargaining table. Pettis is an exciting fighter, a former champ and he’s only 33; so, he’ll almost certainly receive offers.
But…you do have to wonder if he might head to Bellator. His brother Sergio is there, and Bellator would likely move Pettis into headlining spots, right out of the gate.
Further, Pettis earned over $300,000 for his win over Donald Cerrone earlier this year, and you have to wonder if the UFC might walk away from that price tag. Given the UFC’s recent push to add more up-and-coming, and lower paid fighters to the roster.
Ultimately, it could hinge on whether the UFC sees Pettis returning to co and main events in 2021.
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