Anthony Pettis News
Video | Relive the Anthony Pettis "Showtime Kick" on the 10-year anniversary of final WEC show
Adam Martin - December 16, 2020
Today, December 16, 2020, marks the 10-year anniversary of the final WEC event, WEC 53, the night of the “Showtime Kick” from Anthony Pettis. The main event of WEC 53 saw lightweight champion Benson Henderson put his title on the line against Pettis in a matchup between two young, up-and-coming fighters. The WEC was being folded into the UFC after this event, so the winner of this fight would be the final WEC champion and enter the UFC with the belt. With so much on the line, the two fighters put on an absolutely incredible war that went the distance. It was a fitting end to the WEC, as one of the greatest MMA promotions to ever be created concluded with a classic fight.
Alex Morono expects to finish Anthony Pettis, eyes future fights with Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone
Cole Shelton - December 14, 2020
Alex Morono didn’t expect to be fighting Anthony Pettis. Morono started the year with a disappointing KO loss to Khaos Williams at UFC 247. The Fortis MMA product then returned at UFC Vegas 14 with a decision win over Rhys McKee. After the win, Morono was hoping he could make a quick turnaround but never expected it to be against Pettis.
Anthony Pettis promises new "Showtime signature move" a decade after infamous kick in final WEC event
Adam Martin - December 7, 2020
UFC welterweight Anthony Pettis is promising a new “Showtime signature move” a decade after his infamous kick on Benson Henderson at WEC 53. On December 16, 2010, Pettis challenged then-WEC lightweight champion Henderson for his belt in the main event of WEC 53, the last show the promotion ever held. The fight between Pettis and Henderson was tight and competitive and it came down to the fifth round. With about one minute left in the fight, Pettis pulled off the infamous “Showtime Kick,” knocking down Henderson with a kick off the cage in the final minute of the fight. Pettis would go on to win a unanimous decision.
Anthony Pettis explains why he's fighting Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17
Adam Martin - December 1, 2020
Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis explained why he’s fighting Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17 in what was a surprising booking. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that Pettis vs. Morono will take place at UFC Vegas 17, which is set for December 19 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card was originally set to be headlined by welterweights Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, but the fight was called off after Edwards tested positive for COVID-19. The new main event will see Stephen Thompson take on Geoff Neal for five rounds or less.
Michel Pereira calls out Anthony Pettis with help from Johnny Walker
Adam Martin - October 5, 2020
UFC welterweight Michel Pereira called out long-time Octagon veteran Anthony Pettis with a little help from his friend Johnny Walker. Following his recent submission win over Zelim Imadaev, Pereira called out several of the UFC’s top welterweights including Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. However, those types of top-five ranked opponents were always Pereira shooting for the moon. A guy like Pettis, who is ranked in the bottom end of the top-15, makes a lot more sense for Pereira in his next fight. And so the Brazilian recently made the callout official with Walker’s help.
Photo | Anthony Pettis studies film for potential Anderson Silva fight at UFC 254
Adam D Martin - July 31, 2020
UFC welterweight Anthony Pettis posted a photo of him and coach Duke Roufus studying film for a potential Anderson Silva fight at UFC 254. Pettis called Silva out for a superfight between former UFC champions back in June, and Silva expressed interest in the bout as well, but so far nothing has come from it. UFC president Dana White was asked about a potential fight between the two stars and said that he has no interest in booking that fight.
Anthony Pettis respectfully challenges Anderson Silva, "Spider" responds
Natasha Hooper - June 11, 2020
Anthony Pettis has respectfully called for a fight against middleweight legend Anderson Silva. “The Spider” Silva has been out of action for a year since his UFC 237 fight against Jared Cannonier. His opponent used a leg kick to finish him by TKO in the final seconds of the first round. Prior to that, the Brazilian fighter suffered another loss to the current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. “Stylebender” out-landed Silva and earned himself the unanimous decision victory.
Dan Hardy believes he would catch Anthony Pettis clean and "put him away" in potential fight
Cole Shelton - May 12, 2020
Dan Hardy believes he would knockout Anthony Pettis if they were to fight. Hardy was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in 2013 leaving him unable to fight. Yet, in 2018 the Englishman announced he was cleared to compete again and in 2019 said he has joined the USADA testing pool.
Pros react to Anthony Pettis defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 249
Chris Taylor - May 9, 2020
A welterweight scrap between fan favorites Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone served as the featured bout of tonight’s UFC 249 prelims from Florida. Cerrone (36-14 MMA) entered tonight’s highly anticipated event looking to snap a three-fight losing skid. In his most recent effort at UFC 246, ‘Cowboy’ had suffered a knockout loss to Conor McGregor in just 40-seconds.
UFC 249 Results: Anthony Pettis defeats Donald Cerrone (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - May 9, 2020
A welterweight scrap between fan favorites Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone serves as the featured bout of tonight’s UFC 249 prelims from Florida. Cerrone (36-14 MMA) will enter tonight’s highly anticipated event looking to snap a three-fight losing skid. In his most recent effort at UFC 246, ‘Cowboy’ suffered a knockout loss to Conor McGregor in just 40-seconds.
Anthony Pettis looking to become "invincible" again starting with UFC 249
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
Anthony Pettis is looking to become invisible once again. Pettis is the former WEC and UFC lightweight champion who started his career out 18-2 with a UFC title defense under his record. Since then, “Showtime” has gone just 4-8 fighting at featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.
Anthony Pettis believes he will have a “mental advantage” over Donald Cerrone in rematch at UFC 249
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2020
Former UFC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis believes he will hold a mental advantage over Donald Cerrone in their rematch at UFC 249 this weekend. While it may not be one of the featured bouts on the main card on Saturday night, Pettis vs Cerrone 2 is certainly gathering a lot of buzz as we get closer and closer to fight night.
Duke Roufus: "I'm seeing the best Anthony Pettis that I've seen in a while"
Mike Pendleton - April 30, 2020
As he looks to get off his current two-fight losing skid, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis is impressing those around him. Pettis is scheduled to fight Donald Cerrone in the featured prelim at UFC 249 which is scheduled for May 9 on ESPN and ESPN+ PPV. Coming off back-to-back losses against Diego Ferreira and Nate Diaz, Pettis has shown signs of his old self according to those around him. In a recent interview with MMA Tonight on Sirius XM’s Fight Nation, Pettis’ head coach Duke Roufus said although this is a rematch that Pettis won the first time, there is a new opportunity for Pettis to shine under the circumstances.
VIDEO | UFC releases new promo for UFC 249
Harry Kettle - April 28, 2020
A new promotional video has been released ahead of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s highly anticipated May 9 return for UFC 249. UFC 249 appears to be all but 100% confirmed to be taking place in Jacksonville, Florida in less than two weeks. It’s set to be one of the most stacked cards in recent memory, headlined by Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship.
Coach John Wood explains why Donald Cerrone will be different at UFC 249
Natasha Hooper - April 28, 2020
John Wood, one of the coaches behind Donald Cerrone, recently explained how “Cowboy” will lasso a victory in his UFC 249 rematch against Anthony Pettis. The updated UFC 249 card is expected to take place under lockdown conditions on May 9 in Jacksonville, Florida. The 37-year old Cerrone is expected to face Anthony Pettis in a preliminary fight. Syndicate MMA head coach John Wood is training with Cowboy on his “BMF” ranch in New Mexico. Their partnership was the result of an Instagram chat and the coach’s newfound free time.
Dan Hardy reveals opponents he could fight without "upsetting any kind of rankings"
Chris Taylor - April 11, 2020
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy is interested in making a return to the Octagon, but he wants to do so without upsetting any kind of rankings. Hardy has not competed inside the cage since September of 2012, where he scored a unanimous decision victory over Amir Sadollah.
Rafael dos Anjos says he is 'in' for a rematch with Anthony Pettis
Harry Kettle - March 3, 2020
Rafael dos Anjos has confirmed that he is interested in a potential rematch with Anthony Pettis following their fight back at UFC 185. Dos Anjos is coming off the back of consecutive losses at the hands of Leon Edwards and Michael Chiesa, with his last win being a submission triumph over Kevin Lee back at UFC Rochester in May 2019. Pettis, on the other hand, has also lost two in a row against Nate Diaz and Carlos Diego Ferreira.
Matt Serra says Anthony Pettis struggles when things get tough
Fernando Quiles - January 21, 2020
Matt Serra believes Anthony Pettis has a difficult time when his back is against the wall. Pettis was seen in action this past Saturday night (Jan. 18). He went one-on-one with Diego Ferreira to get the main card of UFC 246 started. Pettis ended up being submitted in the second stanza. “Showtime” has now gone 1-3 in his last four outings. He’s been finished in two of those defeats.