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Coach Duke Roufus recently revealed that the UFC turned the idea of a rematch between Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone.
Both Anthony Pettis and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone are known for their willingness to face anyone. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Pettis’ coach Duke Roufus revealed that the two agreed to face each other for the second time, but was rejected by the UFC.
“They wanted to fight each other, they both accepted the fight, the UFC just doesn’t want to do it,” Roufus said. “It’s definitely not ‘Cowboy’. They both were down to do it, it’s just the UFC didn’t want to do the fight.”
With that opportunity passed, Roufus is looking at the possibility for “Showtime” to face former welterweight title contender Dan Hardy, who’s been angling for a return from a seven-year layoff.
“I’ve heard through the grapevine that Dan Hardy in his comeback wants to fight Anthony, that’s a good fight,” Roufus said. “Not in any way putting Dan down, I think that stylistically it’s a great fight for both fighters, for the fans, and that’s what we’re trying to do is find good fights that are interesting in our aspects.
“Obviously, fitting for both guys, but at the same time it’s good for Anthony’s brand to fight the people he wants to fight, and his legacy.”
After losing to Nate Diaz at UFC 241, the 32-year-old Pettis is set to return to action against Diego Ferreira at UFC 246, which will now be headlined by a welterweight fight between Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone.