The man known as “Showtime” arrives in the PFL this Friday, looking to be a show-stopper.
Anthony Pettis (24-10), who won gold in both the UFC and WEC before it, will at age 34 be fighting outside the Zuffa banner for the first time in over a decade at PFL 1. Awaiting him is not just a new opponent, but an entirely new, season/tournament based format, and the chance at a million dollars in prize money.
“I feel so good. It’s been a long career of just wondering what’s next, and quick weight cuts,” the lightweight star noted during a media day on Tuesday. “I think my last two fights were on 17 days and 21 days notice. Whereas this is laid out for me.” Pettis likened it to racing, only he’s the car. His team, perhaps the pit crew. “I’ve just got to go perform.”
Outside of the money, legacy and the chance at a third major title we key factors in Pettis moving to the PFL, following two straight wins in the UFC. “I think my legacy is already written, and still going, which is crazy. I’m 34 years old. This camp was amazing. I feel so good. The structure and the motivation, just everything that came along with this.”
“Before, when I was up and coming, I wanted to be remembered as the guy who would fight anybody, anywhere, any time,” continued Pettis. “That’s why I was going to 145, 155, 170. Now, I have an opportunity to become a three organization champion. That could be done in a year. So I’m very excited about the opportunities in front of me.”
That doesn’t stop at 155lbs, either. While Pettis will face Clay Collard this weekend and focus on the lightweight tournament this year, in future, he’s not ruling out competing at 170lbs in the PFL either.
Ahead of the Collard fight, Pettis has been spoken of as a lock to win the tournament, despite some tough competition. It has, in a sense, put a target on his back — but that’s nothing new for the Roufusport fighter.
“I was the champion in every organization I fought in, so I always had a target on my back. I’ve kind of embraced that role,” explained Pettis. “I know what these guys are looking forward to. The scariest thing about this is, he has nothing to lose. He can go out there, bite on his mouthpiece, and just go. That’s what I’m trying not to get caught up in. It’s another fight. There’s some good talent in this division, and I feel like I’ve got to be sharp, I’ve got to be smart, I’ve got to be on my game, and I don’t plan on veering off from that at all.”
One factor that could play into Showtime’s hands this year is the points system in the PFL. Finishes earn more points than decisions, and the earlier you finish, the more points you can earn. Points, of course, are what bring you into the playoffs.
“Oh man, I always look for the finish. As fighters, we don’t get paid overtime. Our objective is to get in and get out,” stated Pettis, asked for his thoughts on the setup. “So yeah, I think it does play into my game great. With the flashy moves I have and the skill sets I have, I have a lot of ways to finish the fight. Whereas other organizations, they give guys extra money or bonuses for this, this is going to be taking care of me for the playoffs. There’s a lot of incentive for finishing this fight in the first round.”
Watch the full PFL 1 2021 media day interview with Anthony Pettis above.
