Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis will return this weekend (January 17, 2015) in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 81 from Boston, Massachusetts for the first time since losing his title last March
Coming off of a brutal loss at the hands of current champion Rafael dos Anjos, Pettis is set to meet former Bellator champion Eddie “The Silent Assasin” Alvarez in an attempt to jump back into the title picture.
Not only did “Showtime” suffer a huge loss, but he was also faced with yet another injury setback that has forced him out of the Octagon for the last 10 months.
Injuries have seemed to be the constant downfall for the ex-champ, but now seemingly healthy, Pettis feels as if he’s the best in the world:
“I don’t feel like these guys are on my level when I’m 100 percent. When I’m 100 percent, I don’t think anybody in the world can beat me.” Pettis told MMAFighting.com.
As far as the fight goes, “Showtime” currently sits at No. 1 in the 155-pound rankings while Alvarez is currently ranked No. 4. “The Silent Assassin” is also coming off of a hard fought win over Gilbert Melendez last June, meaning that this scrap could potentially have major title implications.
According to Pettis, he was actually guaranteed a title shot with a win over Alvarez, although he’s not sure he wants to sit around and wait:
“Yes, I was told [that I’d get a title shot], but I don’t know if I’m going to wait anymore. I feel like I have been waiting for belts. I have a new contract with the UFC. I’m getting paid what I want to get paid and I feel like now is the time to get out there and just keep fighting.”
Dos Anjos is slated to defend his title next in a mega fight with featherweight boss Conor McGregor at March 5’s UFC 197 from Las Vegas.
Should he get passed Alvarez in Boston, should “Showtime” get a chance to reclaim his title?
