Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will try to snap a two-fight losing streak when he takes on Edson Barboza this April at UFC 197. Officials announced the bout recently, which will likely be part of the pay-per-view main card.
Set for Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the night includes two championship matches. Light heavyweight titleholder Daniel Cormier defends his belt against Jon Jones, while Demetrious Johnson puts his flyweight belt on the line vs. Henry Cejudo.
Pettis (18-4) is stuck in the first-ever losing streak of his career, having dropped the title to Rafael dos Anjos last year followed by a loss to Eddie Alvarez in his most recent outing. Before that, though, he had won five in a row, including four straight stoppage wins.
Barboza (16-4) has fought 14 times for the UFC, posting a record of 10-4. However, he lost to Tony Ferguson and will be looking to right the ship.
If you are thinking about putting down a bet on which fight at UFC 197 might win a bonus, this would be a good one. Combined Pettis and Barboza have 13 “fight-night” bonuses, with Barboza claiming six “Fight of the Night” awards.
Other previously announced bouts include Andre Fili-Yair Rodriguez, Clint Hester-Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Jessica Aguilar-Juliana Lima and Rafael Natal-Robert Whittaker.