Anthony Pettis left the UFC in 2020 (Getty)
Many had predicted that Anthony Pettis would sign for Bellator after leaving the UFC but Showtime joined the PFL
Former UFC Champion Anthony Pettis signed for the PFL, a move that not many expected.
Pettis fought his last bout for the UFC in the final event of the year. It was expected to be a tough fight for Showtime but Alex Morono was unable to get the better of the more experienced rival.
Pettis then shocked the world by confirming that he was going to test the free agency. The fight against Morono was the last one on his UFC contract but not many expected him to leave.
Bellator was, however, named as the most likely destination for Pettis. They had signed a lot of ex-UFC stars and also had his brother starring in the promotion.
However, Pettis decided to join PFL and Showtime told Ariel Helwani just why he made the move.
Pettis told Helwani that he was looking to win another title and would fight in the 170-pound class at PFL.
He also claimed that the PFL had offered him a “fair” package and was ready for a “fun ride”.
While many fans claimed that a move to the PFL was down since most stars from the PFL eye the UFC and other promotions to progress their careers.
However, it is also important to remember that Pettis had battled the best stars over the past decade and it was only a matter of time before age would catch up to him.
A move to the PFL could see him become a champion again, something that would have been tough in the UFC.
Further, Pettis can also pay attention to his MMA management company, and it will be interesting to see how he does in the PFL.
The 2020 season of the PFL was hit hard by Covid-19 and they wrapped up the campaign early. Hopefully, it won’t be the same story in 2021 and Pettis can have a championship run.
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