Anthony Pettis is slated to make his second title defense this Saturday at UFC 185 against Rafael dos Anjos. After being sidelined with injuries for more than a year, Pettis finally had his first successful title defense against Gilbert Melendez in December. Now, he’s making up for lost time with another title defense within three months of his last bout.
Pettis briefly talked with Bleacher Report about his opponent, his legacy and training with his brother and CM Punk.
Bleacher Report: You state that you aren’t looking past dos Anjos, but you are looking through him. Could you go further into that?
Anthony Pettis: I’m taking him seriously, but I’m not afraid of him. He has big power. He’s the No. 1 contender. He’s good at striking, he’s jiu-jitsu, but he’s not faced anyone liked me.
B/R: How do you get out of BJ Penn’s shadow to be greatest lightweight of all time?
AP: I just want to be remembered as one of the greatest lightweights of all times. He’s been around for a long time. I want to be known as one of the best lightweights ever.
B/R: Do you plan on moving up to welterweight?
AP: Not at this time.
B/R: Do you see yourself ahead of Jon Jones and Ronda Rousey in terms of pay-per-view draws? And how do you plan on becoming that big draw?
AP: I’m not there yet. But my performances is going to guarantee to get me to that level. People are gonna love me and hate me. But they will definitely be drawn to me.
B/R: Are you going to be more active as a champion? How many fights a year do you plan on fighting?
AP: I definitely plan on being more active. I’m not going to get on [Donald] Cerrone level; he just overdoes it. I’m the champ and he’s trying to be the champ. I’m on track to fight four times this year.
B/R: Can you tell me how CM Punk is doing in training? Has CM Punk been part of your fight camp sparring?
AP: He’s doing very well. His attitude is going to help him and he’s not going to become big-headed. He drives Milwaukee to Chicago everyday, which shows his dedication to the sport.
I’ll roll with CM Punk and my brother every once in awhile, but we never spar.
B/R: How do you expect your brother Sergio to make a big impact in the bantamweight division?
AP: I think he will do well. He did his weight cut very well this time. He’s a big guy for 125. He has the speed technique to make an impact on the division.
All quotes obtained firsthand, via interview, unless otherwise noted.
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