PFL Playoffs: Will ‘Showtime’ Arrive In Madison Square Garden?

Anthony Pettis made a name for himself with some incredible moves and wins.

The man nicknamed “Showtime” will try to do it all again when the PFL playoffs begin next month.

Pettis, a former WEC and UFC champion, faces Stevie Ray in the main event live from Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The New York City card airs live on ESPN with prelims on ESPN+.

This is the second go-round in the PFL for Pettis, who had less-than ideal results last year. He has turned that all around in 2022, earning the No. 1 seed in the lightweight division.

But it hasn’t come easy. He was bested by Ray in his most recent fight, and now will need to turn the tide in order to move one step closer to winning $1 million and the belt.

Handling pressure, though, is nothing new to Pettis. The 35-year-old secured eight fight-night bonuses while competing in the UFC and three more in the WEC.

Prior to joining the PFL, he earned wins over Donald Cerrone, Stephen Thompson and Jim Miller, along with having classic battles with Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson among others.

Pettis once delighted fans with his “Showtime Kick” off the cage in 2010 with his decision win over Benson Henderson. A few years later, he submitted Henderson for the UFC title.

After going 0-2 last year against Clay Collard and Raush Manfio, Pettis picked up a first round submission over Myles Price for his first PFL win.

Now, he’ll look to add No. 2 and advance to the finals when he tangles with Ray under the bright lights.