‘it’s time for me to make a change and get that fire ignited again’: Anthony Pettis Reveals Why He Was Not Inclined To Renew His UFC Contract

Anthony Pettis opens up on the decision to culminate his UFC journey. The fighter was the featured protagonist of the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 17. 

Winning the final bout of his UFC contract, and then not fancying a renewed deal, Anthony Pettis has led an ideal departure of sorts. The fighter apparently has taken note of how despite being a Talisman of his time Anderson Silva is struggling to associate himself with a new banner. Thus, does not want to end up like that, therefore, believes it was the right time to put a full-stop to his 12-year long stint with the leading MMA promotion.

After 12 years I’ve decided to part ways with the UFC to explore free agency.

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 23, 2020

In UFC he primarily competed in the Lightweight and the Welterweight divisions and is a multi-time title challenger, on account of which he is even a former Lightweight champion.

Pettis, who via social media informed that he would be exploring the free market, could not stay active in the free agency for more than 24 hours, as PFL came knocking on his door and has bounded him in the contract.

Also Read: UFC News: Anthony Pettis Bids Adieu To UFC

Anthony Pettis Reveals Why He Was Not Inclined To Renew His UFC Contract

Reflecting on his ultimate decision to leave UFC to joining PFL, Anthony Pettis gives a brief about these factors in an interview with South China Morning Post and also highlighted what he learned from the Anderson Silva episode.

“Not trying to make this sound bad, but Anderson Silva, one of my idols, to see how he ended in the UFC, I’m like, you know I think it’s time for me to make a change and get that fire ignited again, and find some new goals and some new competition. And it was just perfect timing with my contract ending.”

“I’m still young in this game, I’m back motivated and hungry to become a champion and the deal the PFL offered me was very, very fair. And the opportunity to become a champion in 12 months, that’s exactly what I was looking for. Also, they’re on ESPN, so it doesn’t change my audience, they can see my fights the exact same way, it just really made sense.” (Source- MMA Mania)

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