Anthony Pettis plans to be ‘the face of PFL’; reveals interest from Bellator, ONE Championship
- Former UFC champ plans to ‘carry the flag’ and help grow Professional Fighters League after signing multi-year deal
- ‘Showtime’ says PFL offer ‘hit it on the money’ with free agency lasting just one day following UFC departure
Anthony Pettis has revealed he had interest from Bellator and ONE Championship after announcing his UFC departure, but insists that the PFL was the perfect fit.
Former UFC lightweight champ Pettis saw out his contract with a decision win over Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17 last weekend, and announced on Wednesday he planned to test free agency.
But just a day later, the Professional Fighters League confirmed it had signed the 33-year-old “Showtime” to a multi-year contract, starting with its 2021 season which gets under way on ESPN2 in the US in April.
“Honestly, I knew what I was looking for,” Pettis, who will compete in the PFL’s lightweight tournament, told SCMP MMA. “My goal right now at this stage of my career to become a champ.
“In the UFC, I’ve never fought out my contract ever. I always signed with two or three fights left. They did offer me a contract, but I made up my mind, talked to my managers and said, ‘Let’s see what’s out there’. If I’m ever gonna make a move, it’s the right time now.