Anthony Pettis signs with PFL

On Tuesday, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis announced that he would be leaving the UFC after over nine years with the organization.

PFL announced on Wednesday that they would be signing Pettis, who plans to compete for the promotion’s 155lbs division; the same weight category where he spent the majority of his UFC career.

Pettis’ UFC contract expired this past Saturday after he defeated Alex Moreno at Fight Night 183 via unanimous decision.

While Pettis in his prime wowed fans with his exciting, flashy style of striking, culminating in his defeat of Benson Henderson to win the UFC lightweight crown in 2013, since his lone title defence against Gilbert Melendez he has lost more often than he has won; posting a 6-8 record.

After parting ways with the UFC, there was some speculation that he would land with Bellator, with the organization’s president Scott Coker expressing interest in adding Pettis to his roster. However, it was PFL that emerged as the victors.

The PFL’s 2021 season is set to inaugurate on April 23rd.