UFC Champ Anthony Pettis Takes On the PFL [April 2021]

The PFL is back after a lengthy fifteen-month hiatus and all eyes seem to be focused on former UFC fighter Anthony Pettis.

It could be argued that Pettis is one of the most famous UFC fighters of all time, fighting and winning in three different weight classes and coining the famous ‘showtime kick’ move. He’s currently the only MMA fighter to ever have been featured on a Wheaties box.

That gives you a sense of the kind of attention that he’s bringing with him to his first year in the PFL. “Just the resume I have puts a target on my back,” Pettis explained to a throng of reporters on Week 1’s media day

Pettis vs. Collard

Pettis is up first against former UFC Lightweight Champ Clay Collard. They’ll get in the cage together on Friday, April 23rd as the headlining event of PFL 1. Pettis isn’t too worried.

“I don’t think he’s gonna bring in something brand new that I’ve never seen before.”

Collard may be the underdog, but there’s no doubt this will be a fight to watch, as both men have formidable records. Pettis’ win/loss record of 24-10-0 as an UFC fighter certainly seems to indicate he won’t be going down too easily in the PFL.

Leaving the UFC Behind

What made Pettis leave his successful ten-year run as a UFC champ? Boredom, mostly, to hear him tell it.

“There’s not much more I can do in that organization… I’m kind of over that popularity contest,” he told the press. “A big goal of mine is to become another champion before I leave this sport and stop fighting for good.”

Joining the PFL will give him that opportunity, though there will be a long road between him and the possibility of that title. He’s had to cut weight and rejoin a lower weight class this year, dropping from 170 down to 155. It’s a new start for Pettis, but he’s ready to take on what the PFL has to offer him.

“I feel like I’m back to the beginning, if you will.”

You can tune in to Pettis v. Collard on ESPN2, Friday April 23rd at 9 PM ET (6 PM PT). More fights will be aired live on Thursday, April 29th and Thursday May 6th, both at 9PM ET (6 PM PT) on ESPN2.