Anthony Pettis Targets MMA Return In Welterweight Division

Following a majority decision victory in his recent boxing match against Roy Jones Jr, Anthony Pettis has announced that he will be returning to the welterweight division in MMA. Pettis previously competed in the division back in 2019 and has a record of 2-1 in the weight class.

The announcement of Pettis’ return to welterweight has generated intrigue among fans, who have long admired the former UFC lightweight champion after an exciting career at the top flight of MMA. Pettis’ unique style has made him a fan favorite for years, and with the American now being a free agent, his new MMA home is yet to be known.

In his most recent bout at Gamebred Boxing 4, Pettis weighed in at 198.5 pounds, which is a career high. “Showtime” managed to squeak out a majority decision victory in the main event against boxing great Roy Jones Jr, this marked his boxing debut and he assures fans it won’t be his last bout in the ring.

Speaking to reporters after the fight, Pettis confirmed that he will be making the move back to the welterweight division in MMA, stating that he’s “not done with MMA yet”.

“I still have some MMA left in me. I definitely want to move up to 170 pounds. I think doing that tournament (PFL) at 155 pounds, I just couldn’t be myself. “

Pettis’ move to welterweight promises to be an exciting development for fight fans, who will be keen to see how he adapts back at 170. One of Pettis’ best career victories came in his UFC weltweight debut, where he upset Stephen Thompson via round 2 KO, with his second and most recent outing at said weight seeing him lose a decision to Nate Diaz.

With his solid skill set and the experience that he has gained fighting in various weight classes in the past, there is certainly a chance Pettis may very well find success within MMA once more, wherever it is he ends up.

Now at 36 years old, Pettis’ return to MMA won’t happen overnight, but he seems content to sit back and let the right opportunities present themselves. “I’m a free agent now, so I get to sit back and take the fights as they come. I’m in a good spot”. Regardless of the promotion, Pettis’ return to the sport is always going to be interesting given his past success and known ability, pair his experience and a weight he’s healthy at, the stage is set for a successful final stint and hopefully a story book ending for “Showtime”.