One of the brightest and most popular mixed martial arts prospects in the United States has finally stepped into the limelight offered by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Sergio Pettis, 20, the younger brother of UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, has signed a deal with the world’s largest fighting promotion. He’ll make his debut at UFC 167—headlined by a welterweight title fight between Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks—against an unnamed opponent.
The signing was first reported by Brazilian outlet Combate.
Pettis, who trains at Roufusport alongside brother Anthony, began his professional mixed martial arts career on September 10, 2011, defeating Kyle Vivian. His pro debut received tons of hype due to his similarities with his older brother, but the limelight never derailed Pettis as he worked his way to a 9-0 record before signing with the UFC.
His biggest career win came last November, when he defeated Xtreme Couture veteran (and largely unknown but still tough) Jimmy Jones at RFA Fighting 4. Pettis competed on September 28, winning by first-round kimura over James Porter at NAFC: Battle in the Ballroom.
Pettis will likely be brought along slowly by UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, which is to say that you shouldn’t expect him to face a known commodity in his UFC debut this November. He has the potential to be a true superstar at bantamweight or flyweight, and the UFC won’t waste that opportunity by forcing him into situations he’s not ready for.
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