“Showtime” may soon be on the move, as former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has announced that he has parted ways with the UFC.
Taking to social media Tuesday, Pettis (24-10), still just 33-years old, stated that “After 12 years I’ve decided to part ways with the UFC to explore free agency.”
The former champ also released a copy of a thank you note to his former home.
Thank you @ufc @danawhite 🙏👊🤝 pic.twitter.com/pJtBo2Hpxc
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 23, 2020
Dear UFC,
Wow, what a wild ride!
Almost 12 years with this company and so many amazing memories. From winning my first world title in the WEC at 23 years old to becoming the UFC world champion at 26 in my hometown! From being on MTV to the cover of the Wheaties box, I am forever grateful for everything I have experienced and accomplished with this company!!!
Dana – thank you for everything you have done for me. I was just a kid from the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a big dream. You helped me turn that dream into a reality. THANK YOU!!!
Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, Reed Harris, Sean Shelby, Dave Sholler, and Burt Watson, you have helped me and impacted my life and career in countless ways. I will be forever thankful. Everyone at the PI, you helped me take my game to the next level! Everyone that works behind the scenes, I am so grateful for your tireless work, especially on the road, you have no idea how much you are appreciated. Thank YOU!!!
Last and most importantly the UFC fans… thank you!!! You gave me energy in every fight. I hope I have been able to show you that ANYTHING is possible. I am excited about my future in this sport. I promise I am not done.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all
Anthony “Showtime” Pettis.
The move was not altogether unexpected, as the lightweight and welterweight star fought out his contract at UFC Vegas 17 this past weekend. There, Pettis picked up his second consecutive win at 170lbs, thanks to his defeat of Alex Morono. Earlier this year, Pettis also picked up a hard-fought victory against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.
Pettis was the final WEC lightweight champion, defeating future UFC champ Benson Henderson at WEC 53. That was the same fight in which the “Showtime” kick made history, with Pettis executing a running cage kick that floored Henderson (but didn’t actually finish him, as the fight went to a decision).
Upon arriving in the UFC, Pettis stumbled against Clay Guida, then won three straight fights to earn another crack at Henderson, who by that time held gold. Pettis won their second meeting to become UFC lightweight champion, and defended the belt once, against Gilbert Melendez.
By testing free agency, Pettis opens the door to the possibility of signing with Bellator MMA, where younger brother Sergio now competes. Bellator’s lightweight title is now held by double-champ Patricio Pitbull, while the division features names like former foe Henderson, Myles Jury, Patricky Pitbull, and ex-champ Brent Primus.
Scott Coker’s promotion has been busy scooping up free agent talent in 2020, signing the likes of Corey Anderson, Yoel Romero, and Anthony Johnson. Other potential destinations include the Professional Fighters League, ONE Championship, or even a return to the UFC — though with the organization recently hinting at a large number of cuts, they may not want to match the sort of money Pettis will likely command.
