Tag: Anthony Pettis

Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis #1 Contender Bout Being Eyed for January


(“Cowboy” Cerrone and his travel guide Filipe found more than just solace in the caves of Mount Grenidor; they found each other.)

You may or may not be aware of this, but before the UFC decided to go the route of champ vs. troll, they actually had a coaching matchup in the works for TUF 17 that would have both made sense and likely been ignored by most of the population. That matchup was between streaking lightweight contender Donald Cerrone and former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, two 155ers who are due for a title shot and truly despise one another. Unfortunately for them, the UFC decided to take things in a different direction. Fortunately for them, it appears as if they are still destined to throw down in the near future, because according to Cerrone in an interview with the appropriately titled MMAInterviews, half of the contract has already been signed.

I’m looking forward to that fight. Hopefully December we’re gonna get it, beginning of January. My side of the deal is signed. (I’m) just waiting on him while his shoulder is rehabbed. There’s been a lot of shit talking back and forth, so it’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be for the fans. I think it’s gonna be Fight of the Night for sure. He’s well-rounded. I think my wrestling is better than his but if we go to the ground he’s good on the ground, if we stay standing he’s good there. It’s gonna be a helluva fight. I’m packing a lunch. I’m ready for three rounds of hell. I’ll fight him on an undercard, I don’t care.

As you know, Pettis has been out of action since his beatdown of Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 mending multiple injuries, and just recently injured his shoulder in training, which likely affected the UFC’s decision to go with Bones vs. Sonnen. So the likelihood of this matchup taking place in 2012 is a longshot, but a headlining fight on a FOX or FX event in late January? Hell to the yes, Potato Nation.


(“Cowboy” Cerrone and his travel guide Filipe found more than just solace in the caves of Mount Grenidor; they found each other.)

You may or may not be aware of this, but before the UFC decided to go the route of champ vs. troll, they actually had a coaching matchup in the works for TUF 17 that would have both made sense and likely been ignored by most of the population. That matchup was between streaking lightweight contender Donald Cerrone and former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, two 155ers who are due for a title shot and truly despise one another. Unfortunately for them, the UFC decided to take things in a different direction. Fortunately for them, it appears as if they are still destined to throw down in the near future, because according to Cerrone in an interview with the appropriately titled MMAInterviews, half of the contract has already been signed.

I’m looking forward to that fight. Hopefully December we’re gonna get it, beginning of January. My side of the deal is signed. (I’m) just waiting on him while his shoulder is rehabbed. There’s been a lot of shit talking back and forth, so it’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be for the fans. I think it’s gonna be Fight of the Night for sure. He’s well-rounded. I think my wrestling is better than his but if we go to the ground he’s good on the ground, if we stay standing he’s good there. It’s gonna be a helluva fight. I’m packing a lunch. I’m ready for three rounds of hell. I’ll fight him on an undercard, I don’t care.

As you know, Pettis has been out of action since his beatdown of Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 mending multiple injuries, and just recently injured his shoulder in training, which likely affected the UFC’s decision to go with Bones vs. Sonnen. So the likelihood of this matchup taking place in 2012 is a longshot, but a headlining fight on a FOX or FX event in late January? Hell to the yes, Potato Nation.

Both men are more than familiar with current UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. Cerrone has come up short twice against the champ in the days of the WEC, dropping a controversial unanimous decision to Bendo at WEC 43 and succumbing to a first round guillotine choke at WEC 48. Pettis, on the other hand, built his brand off the current champ with his unanimous decision victory at WEC 53 that included the infamous “Showtime Kick” heard round the world.

Based on the Josh Koscheck principle of losing two fights to the same champion, the Pettis matchup appears to be the more marketable matchup of the two. The same can be said if current #1 contender Nate Diaz — who handily defeated Cerrone back at UFC 141 — is able to defeat Henderson in their upcoming title fight at UFC on FOX 5. Why are we taking time to address the most marketable matchup of the two? Because you know why, that’s why.

In either case, this fight has FOTY written all over it, so perhaps we should just set politics aside for the moment and enjoy a great matchup when we see one.

With all that being said, who do you think takes this one, Potato Nation? More importantly, who would you rather see face the winner of Bendo/Diaz?

–J. Jones

Anthony Pettis Injured, Fight with Donald Cerrone May Be in Jeopardy

Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone have been jabbing back and forth at each other with verbal barbs for months. It was believed that the two would have the chance to actually throw physical jabs early in 2013, when the two were rumored to be facing one …

Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone have been jabbing back and forth at each other with verbal barbs for months. It was believed that the two would have the chance to actually throw physical jabs early in 2013, when the two were rumored to be facing one another.

That fight may be in jeopardy as Pettis took to his Twitter account to inform fans of an injury.

 

 

“Can’t catch a break injuries f****** suck!!!”

There haven’t been any more posts on Pettis‘ account and as of now, there’s no information regarding the severity of the injury. Fans have to be worried that it may be something to do with his previously injured shoulder, however.

Pettis opted to have surgery on a shoulder injury that kept him out of action for a few months. Cerrone, however, viewed it as Pettis backing away from tough competition.

“Anthony Pettis‘ b**** a**! Anthony, quit hiding behind your sore shoulder and come to the dance,” Cerrone said back in Aug. (Low Kick)

Pettis entered the UFC with quite a bit of buzz after he defeated Benson Henderson at WEC 53, but saw his momentum falter after an ugly loss to Clay Guida. “Showtime” rebounded nicely, however, with two straight wins over Jeremy Stephens and Joe Lauzon.

Cerrone, meanwhile, entered the UFC as a favorite to make a title run in 2012, but those plans came to a halt after he lost badly to current No. 1 contender Nate Diaz. Since the Diaz loss, Cerrone has also defeated Stephens, along with a vicious KO of Melvin Guillard at UFC 150.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC on Fox 5: Five Potential Bouts for the Fourth Fight on Fox

UFC on Fox 5 comes to us on Saturday, Dec. 8, and is already the talk of the MMA world. Despite having several exciting fight cards in the coming months, this event features exciting matchups between big names in multiple divisions.With an already stac…

UFC on Fox 5 comes to us on Saturday, Dec. 8, and is already the talk of the MMA world. Despite having several exciting fight cards in the coming months, this event features exciting matchups between big names in multiple divisions.

With an already stacked card, including a lightweight championship bout between Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz, along with Shogun Rua vs. Alexander Gustafsson and BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald, it is clear that the UFC is attempting to finally generate the huge numbers it’s been looking for.

There are a few schools of thought on the opening bout. Some feel that it should be between stars who are going to put on an entertaining scrap and that name value isn’t as important as the quality of action. Others think that another top name should be thrown in the mix to generate interest.

Keeping both mentalities in mind, I’ve put together a list of five fights that cover the entire spectrum. Some are bouts with “Fight of the Night” written all over them, while some keep in line with the “How is this on free television?” theme that the UFC has already started.

Here is a list of five fights to consider as the opening bout for UFC on Fox 5.

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Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis: Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Speculation is running wild as lightweights Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis continue to be linked together for their next respective fights. Both men figure to be a fight or two away from title contention, which makes a fight between the two an attra…

Speculation is running wild as lightweights Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis continue to be linked together for their next respective fights. Both men figure to be a fight or two away from title contention, which makes a fight between the two an attractive option.

Both WEC veterans have shown to be formidable in their UFC careers, despite the fact that Cerrone has fought seven times in just over a year since the merger. Pettis, meanwhile, has only fought three times.

Here is a head-to-toe breakdown of their eventual bout, whenever it should happen.

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Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard: What’s Next for Donald Cerrone

Donald Cerrone is one of the best all-around fighters in the lightweight division.Last night at UFC 150, while many believed his jiu-jitsu game would be on display, Cerrone finished the tough veteran Melvin Guillard by knockout and once again threw his…

Donald Cerrone is one of the best all-around fighters in the lightweight division.

Last night at UFC 150, while many believed his jiu-jitsu game would be on display, Cerrone finished the tough veteran Melvin Guillard by knockout and once again threw his name in the hat of top contenders at 155.

So, what’s next for “Cowboy?”

Quite simply, one name comes to mind: Anthony Pettis.

Cerrone had called out Pettis a while back, and now, coming off this win, he looks as if his wish will be granted. 

Cerrone said last night post-fight about Pettis (via mmafighting.com), “Sign the contract and let’s dance, baby!”

Pettis, the former WEC Lightweight Champion, was tentatively named No. 1 contender in the lightweight division following his devastating knockout against Joe Lauzon, but following Nate Diaz’s impressive win against Jim Miller, Diaz leapfrogged Pettis and was named No. 1 contender.

Pettis then called out Diaz, but Diaz would opt to wait for the winner of Henderson-Edgar II.

Now, with Cerrone right up near the top alongside Pettis, the two will likely face off sometime later this year, with the winner likely facing the winner of Ben Henderson and Nate Diaz.

I, for one, can’t wait to see the fireworks Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis will bring, and I’m going to go ahead and say no matter who else is one the card, this has to be a favorite for Fight of the Night.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Trash-Talking Roundup: Pettis Responds to Cerrone, Fitch Meets Kettle


“Did I stutter?! I said you’re a lay-and-pray artist who will NEVER beat Georges St. Pierre!”

It appears we weren’t the only ones surprised by Donald Cerrone’s recent comments for UFC lightweight Anthony Pettis. Anthony Pettis, who claims that he’s always been cordial with Cerrone in the past, recently attempted to make sense of the whole ordeal on “The MMA Hour.” Spoiler alert: He ain’t too keen on being told to “grab his purse and dance,” brother.

As transcribed by MMAMania.com:

“It’s comedy. This is the first news to me that I have heard of Cerrone calling me out or that he has been calling me out or he wanted to fight me. I talked to my manager about it and I think it’s just him trying to get his name out there and trying to get to my spot, trying to get to that title shot, to try and get closer to a title shot. But, for him to do it the way it did, just pissed me of, so. If he gets passed with his fight with Melvin, and it makes sense for me to fight him and then fight for a title shot, then I will do it. If he is in my way, I will take him out. (I’m)100 -percent (pissed off). I am super pissed. I am not the guy to talk or the type of guy to be out there and talk shit about anyone, but for him to call me out and put it the way he put it, pretty much saying that I am afraid to fight somebody, that is never the case. I am never afraid to fight anybody. I want to be the best lightweight in the world and if he is in my way, then I will take him out too. He wanted to fight in August, I wasn’t going to be ready until October or November and I openly said it on Twitter and I openly said it everywhere, so it’s not a matter of me ducking him, if he wants to fight in November, let’s do it, I will gladly take that fight and I will be so motivated to whoop his ass.”


“Did I stutter?! I said you’re a lay-and-pray artist who will NEVER beat Georges St. Pierre!”

It appears we weren’t the only ones surprised by Donald Cerrone’s recent comments for UFC lightweight Anthony Pettis. Anthony Pettis, who claims that he’s always been cordial with Cerrone in the past, recently attempted to make sense of the whole ordeal on “The MMA Hour.” Spoiler alert: He ain’t too keen on being told to “grab his purse and dance,” brother.

As transcribed by MMAMania.com:

“It’s comedy. This is the first news to me that I have heard of Cerrone calling me out or that he has been calling me out or he wanted to fight me. I talked to my manager about it and I think it’s just him trying to get his name out there and trying to get to my spot, trying to get to that title shot, to try and get closer to a title shot. But, for him to do it the way it did, just pissed me of, so. If he gets passed with his fight with Melvin, and it makes sense for me to fight him and then fight for a title shot, then I will do it. If he is in my way, I will take him out. (I’m)100 -percent (pissed off). I am super pissed. I am not the guy to talk or the type of guy to be out there and talk shit about anyone, but for him to call me out and put it the way he put it, pretty much saying that I am afraid to fight somebody, that is never the case. I am never afraid to fight anybody. I want to be the best lightweight in the world and if he is in my way, then I will take him out too. He wanted to fight in August, I wasn’t going to be ready until October or November and I openly said it on Twitter and I openly said it everywhere, so it’s not a matter of me ducking him, if he wants to fight in November, let’s do it, I will gladly take that fight and I will be so motivated to whoop his ass.”

I never understood the “What’d I do?” or “It’s not what was done but how it was done” responses to trash talk, which are essentially what we’re seeing here. What’d you do? You’re a professional fighter who is further up the totem pole than the other professional fighter below you. Cerrone wants a future title shot, and consecutive victories over Melvin Guillard and yourself can possibly give him one. He’s already booked to face Guillard, and is now trying to do whatever he needs to do to get a fight against you. If it offends you that much, maybe something can be arranged where you two can fight over it, possibly for some money, fame and a title shot against the …wait, never mind. Well played, Cerrone.

As for the latter issue, I’m with Rasheed Wallace: As long as parents, wives and kids are left out of the equation (and life-threatening illnesses, Kevin), then who cares? I just hope that Melvin Guillard hasn’t been spending time with Chick with Huge Cans, because Cerrone vs. Pettis appears to have Fight of the Year written all over it.

In “How did the irony not explode your head?” news, Jon Fitch is still tied to the tracks of the Erick Silva hype-train, pleading desperately to anyone who will listen to leave the “Dastardly” Achievement locked. And I mean anyone. Yesterday, Fitch used a Nuvo TV conference call attempting to push AKA’s new reality series to be far more urgent in calling out BJ Penn. Via MMAFighting:

“Here at AKA, we’ve got fighters who come out to fight, fighters who will face anyone and don’t hide from any opponents. You’ve also got cowards out there like B.J. Penn who say they want to fight people, but then they run and hide.”

I guess that statement wasn’t direct enough for two, maybe three people on the planet, because Fitch was asked to clarify if he thought Penn was a coward. His response?

“Yes. He’s a coward. He wouldn’t be welcomed here.”

I bet Erick Silva finds your “running and hiding” comment hilarious, considering that’s exactly what you’re attempting to do with him. And not to create an MMA conspiracy theory on the spot, but if Fitch gets injured and has to pull out of his fight against Silva, I’m sure a lot of fans will think that the injury is “suspiciously convenient.” But who knows?

Does Fitch have a point about Penn waiting for Rory MacDonald instead of looking for another fight? Does anyone have any interest in watching Fitch and Penn do the man dance again? And how excited will you be about Cerrone vs. Pettis? Let us know, and keep it civil.

@SethFalvo