Former UFC Lightweight Champion, Anthony Pettis posted via Twitter that he is leaving UFC and will test Free Agency. He is nicknamed Showtime because he always put on an entertaining show especially in bright lights.
After 12 years I’ve decided to part ways with the UFC to explore free agency.
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 23, 2020
Pettis has had a successful run in his MMA run. He had won the WEC and UFC lightweight belt during his prime. Anthony won both belts on the same opponent which was Benson Henderson. It was also the fight where showcased his signature showtime kick.
It just looked like Pettis cannot compete with the best the UFC has to offer, so that may have been a factor in him parting ways. He also has a huge fight contract since he has been in the UFC a long time and also a former champion.
One likely MMA promotion he could go into is Bellator, his younger brother Sergio Pettis was also a former UFC fighter that is currently signed with Bellator.
Although Pettis is leaving the UFC, it is kinda shocking as well since he is coming off a 2-win streak. He even showcased a spinning wheel kick in his last fight against Alex Morono.
Anthony Pettis has a lot of options on where he would sign, he could end up in PFL where the talent is not that stacked compared to the UFC but has a $1M Championship reward.
