Anthony Pettis is the latest fighter to leave the UFC.
Anthony Pettis is the latest veteran to part ways with the UFC following the release of two-time middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero earlier this month.
Pettis announced on Tuesday that he had completed his UFC contract and entered free agency, just three days after his unanimous decision win over Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17.
The former UFC and WEC lightweight champion posted a copy of his resignation on Twitter, which reads as follows.
“Almost 12 years with this company and so many amazing memories. From winning my first world title at 23 years old to becoming the UFC world champion at 26 in my hometown. From being on MTV to the cover of the Wheaties box, I am forever grateful for everything I have experienced and accomplished with this company!!!
Dana – thank you for everything you have done for me. I was just a kid from the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a big dream. You helped me turn thta dream into a reality. THANK YOU!!!
Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, Reed Harris, Sean Shelby, Dave Sholler, and Burt Watson, you have helped me and impacted my life and career in countless ways. I will be forever thankful. Everyone at the PI, you helped take my game to the next level! Everyone that works behind the scenes, I am so grateful for your tireless work, especially on the road, you have no idea how much you are appreciated. Thank YOU!!!
Last and most importantly the UFC fans … thank you!!! You gave me energy in every fight. I hope I have been able to you that ANYTHING is possible. I am excited about my future in this sport. I promise I am not done.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all,
“Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis”.”
After 12 years I’ve decided to part ways with the UFC to explore free agency.
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 23, 2020
Thank you @ufc @danawhite pic.twitter.com/pJtBo2Hpxc
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 23, 2020
Pettis’ younger brother, Sergio Pettis, now competes in Bellator but ‘Showtime’ didn’t specify whether he would be following in his brother’s footsteps. The 33-year-old would surely make another welcome addition to the Bellator roster following ‘Solder of God’s’ signing last week. Former UFC light heavyweight slugger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson also signed with Bellator earlier this month, claiming that he’s ready to embark on a new chapter in his career.
Bloody Elbow will keep you updated as this story develops.