Pettis Leaving The UFC After 12 Years With The Organization

Former UFC Lightweight champ Anthony Pettis is no longer with the UFC. The 12 year UFC veteran has parted ways with the organization and is exploring free agency. After defeating Alex Morono via Unanimous Decision at UFC Vegas 17, Pettis announced he was going to take some time off during the holiday to decide what his next move would be. On Tuesday, Pettis announced he would be exploring free agency and was leaving the UFC.

Almost 12 years with this company and so many amazing memories. From winning my first world title at 23 years old to becoming the UFC world champion at 26 in my hometown. From being on MTV to the cover of the Wheaties box, I am forever grateful for everything I have experienced and accomplished with this company!!! Dana – thank you for everything you have done for me. I was just a kid from the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a big dream. You helped me turn that dream into a reality. THANK YOU!!! Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, Reed Harris, Sean Shelby, Dave Sholler, and Burt Watson, you have helped me and impacted my life and career in countless ways.

I will be forever thankful. Everyone at the PI, you helped take my game to the next level! Everyone that works behind the scenes, I am so grateful for your tireless work, especially on the road, you have no idea how much you are appreciated. Thank YOU!!! Last and most importantly the UFC fans … thank you!!! You gave me energy in every fight. I hope I have been able to you that ANYTHING is possible. I’m excited about my future in this sport. I promise I am not done.

Anthony Pettis

Showtime To Join His Brother At Bellator MMA?

After announcing his departure from the UFC, MMA fans began to speculate where Pettis will land next. Bellator seems to be a great option considering his brother Sergio Pettis is currently fighting with Bellator MMA. Anthony did mention his brother after his post fight press conference, but it seems Pettis wants to take the Christmas break to decide what is next…

My little brother’s outside of the UFC now, and it’s one of those things like I’m not attached to anything any more. I’m taking one fight at a time. My goal is to be the best version of myself. Obviously, the UFC is where the best guys are at, so I would love to fight in this organization still. But we’ll see what happens. Contracts negotiations are something that happens outside of my world. I still have an agent to take care of that.”

Anthony Pettis