Pettis joined the PFL in free agency after completing his contract with the UFC in late 2020.
He immediately became one of the highest profile additions to the roster alongside former Bellator champion Rory MacDonald.
Unfortunately, Pettis didn’t find the success he wanted during his first run with the PFL after losing a unanimous decision to Clay Collard in his debut and then dropping a split decision to eventual lightweight champion Raush Manfio in his next appearance.
While he ultimately lost the fights, Pettis was competitive in both matchups including a near finish against Collard in the third round before ultimately dropping the decision.
Now Pettis will seek to bounce back as he rejoins the PFL roster for 2022 with hopes that he will take home the lightweight title and the $1 million prize handed out to the season champion.
The 2022 PFL season is expected to kick off in the late spring, although official dates have not been announced yet.
I hate Pettis and always root against him but he’s fun to watch
yup
Showtime
Showtime Fighting Championship’s inaugural show is this Friday. Ahead of the event, its creator Anthony Pettis has revealed a fun bonus on the table.
Last year, the former UFC lightweight champion announced that he was starting his own promotion. Dubbed “Showtime FC”, the first show was set for February 11th. Now just days out from the event, ‘Showtime’ has announced that the promotion will have a unique bonus structure.
“I was talking with my team, and I wanted to make this fun. my style speaks for itself, I put on a show. With my matchmaker, we’re trying to make it exciting and make it my own. We’re going to put some bonuses in there for these athletes that can land some fun things. We’re going to make it interesting… The first fight show will have a fun fight structure bonus. Showtime kick will definitely be one of the bonuses.”
The “Showtime kick” was seen at WEC 53, during Pettis’ fight with Benson Henderson. ‘Showtime’ won the bout and the WEC lightweight title, but the fight will forever live in history due to a flashy moment in the fifth round.
Pettis ran off the side of the cage and knocked down Henderson with a kick to the face. The kick sealed the victory for ‘Showtime’ and became one of the most-seen highlights in MMA history.
While Anthony Pettis is no longer with the UFC, he still has a good relationship with the promotion. The PFL fighter‘s promotion will stream exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, with the first show being broadcast this Friday.