Anthony Pettis says signing with PFL was one of the best days of his life.
It came as quite the surprise when Anthony Pettis decided to part ways with the UFC and sign with Professional Fighters League (PFL) earlier this week, but ‘Showtime’ says it was one of the best decisions of his life.
Pettis, who left the UFC following his unanimous decision win over Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17 last weekend, explained why he decided to sign with PFL, an MMA organization that awards its champions a million-dollar cash prize at the end of each season, after almost ten years with the UFC.
“Honestly, I knew what I was looking for,” Pettis told SCMP MMA in a recent interview. “My goal right now at this stage of my career to become a champ.. I’m still young in this game, I’m back motivated and hungry to become a champion and the deal the PFL offered me was very, very fair. And the opportunity to become a champion in 12 months, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
“If I went to another organization, I would’ve had to fight my way up,” Pettis added. “I’m not saying it couldn’t be done, but I love the format these guys put out. Also they’re on ESPN, so it doesn’t change my audience, they can see my fights the exact same way, it just really made sense.”
“Honestly, I knew what I was looking for. My goal right now at this stage of my career to become a champ.. I’m still young in this game, I’m back motivated and hungry to become a champion and the deal the PFL offered me was very, very fair. And the opportunity to become a champion in 12 months, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
“Today is one of the best days in my life. Signing a new deal, thinking about the future with no animosity or regrets for the past, but a brand new start in a new organization. I’m gonna be kinda the face of this thing, I like to think that I’m one of the biggest names signed with the PFL.
“I get to carry that flag,” he added. “I ended in WEC with the showtime kick, I jumped into UFC, carried that WEC flag, now the PFL is kinda counting on me to make this thing go more mainstream and bigger than it already is.
“They have some great deals with ESPN, Rory MacDonald is over there, Fabricio Werdum just signed, they’ve got some talent coming over but I feel I’m gonna carry that flag and bring this organization to a whole new level.”
Pettis is expected to make his promotional debut in April, where he will compete in PFL’s 2021’s lightweight season.