Tag: Anthony Pettis

Exclusive – Anthony Pettis Plays Down Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ‘GOAT’ Status: ‘He Won The Title Against Al Iaquinta

Anthony PettisFormer UFC and WEC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis has played down claims from those who place Khabib Nurmagomedov atop the lightweight GOAT list, claiming that the Dagestani did not face the most formidable competition during his Octagon tenure. Anthony Pettis, a former undisputed UFC and WEC lightweight titleholder, is set to headline PFL (Professional Fighters […]

Anthony Pettis

Former UFC and WEC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis has played down claims from those who place Khabib Nurmagomedov atop the lightweight GOAT list, claiming that the Dagestani did not face the most formidable competition during his Octagon tenure.

Anthony Pettis, a former undisputed UFC and WEC lightweight titleholder, is set to headline PFL (Professional Fighters League) 7 in August in New York City – rematching fellow UFC veteran, Stevie Ray after a body triangle submission loss to the Scottish veteran back in June of this year. 

25-13 as a professional, Milwaukee veteran, Pettis ended his lenghty and gold laden tenure with the UFC back in December 2020 following the completion of his contractual obligations with a win over Alex Morono – penning a deal with the PFL.

Touted as a lightweight division pioneer in the modern era of the sport, Pettis, who scooped WEC gold back in 2010, has so far, struggled under the PFL banner, slipping to 1-3 from four fights back in June with his loss to Ray.

In his most recent win, Pettis defeated Kilkenny native, Myles Price with a first round triangle win earlier this year, snapping prior defeats to both Clay Collard, and Raush Manfio. 

Sharing his thoughts on the discussion of the greatest lightweight of all time, Pettis played down suggestions that the aforenoted, Khabib should lay claim to that moniker.

“You know, I think – I moved down to ‘45, I fought at ‘70 – I fought all over the place,” Anthony Pettis told LowKick MMA reporter, Michael Owens. “It’s hard to say Khabib (Nurmagomedov) because he didn’t fight everybody. He would the world title fighting Al Iaquinta.”

“Al Iaquinta wasn’t even ranked at the time, so, you know,” Anthony Pettis continued. “And then he fought some good guys after that and then he retired, so it’s hard to say he’s the GOAT. He’s definitely one of the best. But like, guys like B.J. Penn, you know – like that’s a guy for me that, you know, if he wouldn’t have came back and lost a couple fight, we all would be talking about B.J. as the GOAT, you know, one of the first. …” 

Anthony Pettis was linked to a Khabib Nurmagomedov fight back in 2018

Briefly linked with a matchup against Khabib back in 2018, Pettis was considered by the promotion to replace then-featherweight champion, Max Holloway for a Brooklyn matchup with the Russian, however, the parties failed to come to terms on a short notice deal – with Khabib instead fighting Iaquinta. 

Anthony Pettis Outshines UFC Heavyweight Champ Francis Ngannou With The Big Bucks In PFL

Anthony Pettis, Francis NgannouMMA veteran Anthony Pettis earned more money with the PFL than Francis Ngannou did in the UFC. Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis enjoyed a near decade-long run in the UFC before making the switch over to the Professional Fighters League. After an unsuccessful debut in the PFL against Clay Collard in April 2021, Pettis […]

Anthony Pettis, Francis Ngannou

MMA veteran Anthony Pettis earned more money with the PFL than Francis Ngannou did in the UFC.

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis enjoyed a near decade-long run in the UFC before making the switch over to the Professional Fighters League. After an unsuccessful debut in the PFL against Clay Collard in April 2021, Pettis would rack up a record of 1-3 in the promotion. His latest outing against Steven Ray resulted in a submission loss last month.

Anthony Pettis earned more with the PFL than Francis Ngannou did with the UFC

According to The Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission, Pettis earned $750,000 just from his last bout, as reported by MMA Fighting.

“Showtime” wasn’t the only athlete on the roster to make the big bucks. Seven others along with Pettis managed to score a six-figure payday in their most recent showing: Rory MacDonald ($250,000), Omari Akhmedov ($206,000), Ray Cooper ($200,000), Magomed Magomedkerimov ($200,000), Lance Palmer ($170,000), Brendan Loughnane ($170,000), and Nathan Schulte ($150,000).

It’s important to note that Pettis is not the same fighter he used to be. The 35-year-old Wisconsin native was clearly past his prime before making his way into the PFL although he did win his final two bouts in the UFC.

When we compare Pettis’ earnings to the current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, it seems all the more shocking considering the economic disparity between the two organizations. “The Predator” has remained on the sidelines in recovery from a knee injury.

In his last competition against Ciryl Gane in January, Ngannou came out on top with a unanimous decision to be crowned the undisputed king of UFC heavyweights.

So, how much did ‘the baddest man on the planet’ earn for his efforts? A mere $600,000, that is despite going into the bout with a knee injury against the advice of doctors.

In all fairness, Ngannou refused to sign a new deal with the UFC that could’ve bagged him millions and has been at odds with them due to contract disputes. The promotion doesn’t want to see their champion leave the sport even if it’s for one fight to go box against Tyson Fury.

Ngannou is adamant about his stance on competing against Fury in a mega-crossover match and seems to be running down his current contract with the UFC which expires at the end of this year.

Exclusive | Stevie Ray Details Anthony Pettis Rematch, Hopes to Face Alex Martinez in PFL Playoff Finals

Stevie Ray Anthony Pettis rematchAfter an action-packed night of fights at PFL 5, Stevie Ray has moved on to the PFL playoffs, where he will face legend Anthony Pettis in a rematch. After his fight at PFL 5, Stevie Ray made the time to chat with us at LowKick MMA, discussing his finish over Pettis, the rematch, and how […]

Stevie Ray Anthony Pettis rematch

After an action-packed night of fights at PFL 5, Stevie Ray has moved on to the PFL playoffs, where he will face legend Anthony Pettis in a rematch.

After his fight at PFL 5, Stevie Ray made the time to chat with us at LowKick MMA, discussing his finish over Pettis, the rematch, and how he would like to face Alex Martinez in the final fight for the $1 million prize.

“There’s four guys in the tournament,” Stevie Ray began. “One’s beat me (Alex Martinez), and I’ve beat one of them as well (Anthony Pettis). Like I said, I do believe ring rust played a factor in the Martinez fight.”

“I also made some mistakes, like fight IQ and decisions. Like chasing the legs, took too long… Martinez is a good fighter, and he’s a really good guy as well. He’s a really nice guy. He’s one of those guys that, I may be being biased here but, I feel like if I fought him ten times, I’d beat him nine. And he’s obviously won the first one. He’s a good, tough fighter. But I feel maybe I gave the fight (the first one) away.”

Stevie Ray Details the Anthony Pettis Rematch, and PFL Playoffs

“I’ve got Pettis first. I’ve got to get through him again,” Stevie Ray continued. “I cannot look past him. That will be my main thing, just focusing on him. Because he’ll be wanting payback… So, the plan is to beat him again, which I believe I will. Then, I’d like to get my rematch with Martinez. Just to tick that one-off. But, yeah. I’d be happy with whoever.”

‘BraveHeart’ would continue on, talking about how happy he is in the PFL, despite him “spoiling the party,” by defeating Pettis at PFL 5. When asked if it gave him a chip on his shoulder, that PFL favored Pettis with promotional push, he’d say that it did a little.

“To start with I was going to say not really… But, yeah, I suppose a little bit. Because If you go and look on paper, at some of the guy’s I’ve beat, I feel like I’ve maybe not had the push maybe that I’ve deserved… But, hopefully, that’s not the case. Hopefully, that’s what I get now. Hopefully, I’ve kind of just unlocked it now… I said that to Ray (the owner of PFL) as well, I’m your new guy… I always come to fight, I always push for the finish.”

Stevie Ray finished Anthony Pettis via modified twister at PFL 5, but there’s no telling what happens when they rematch in the playoffs. Anthony Pettis is now 2-3 in his last five, and this rematch with ‘BraveHeart’ will no doubt be extremely pivotal.

Check out the full interview below!

What do you think happens when Anthony Pettis and Stevie Ray throw down for the second time?

Exclusive | Stevie Ray Talks Anthony Pettis Submission, Describes Modified Twister

Stevie Ray interview Anthony Pettis SubmissionAfter a stunning submission over Anthony Pettis, Scotland’s very own Stevie Ray stopped by to speak with us at LowKick MMA about the thrilling victory at PFL 5. There was some confusion on what the submission that finished Pettis precisely was, as it was such a rare and unique technique that even the commentators weren’t […]

Stevie Ray interview Anthony Pettis Submission

After a stunning submission over Anthony Pettis, Scotland’s very own Stevie Ray stopped by to speak with us at LowKick MMA about the thrilling victory at PFL 5.

There was some confusion on what the submission that finished Pettis precisely was, as it was such a rare and unique technique that even the commentators weren’t quite sure what it actually was. Thankfully, ‘Braveheart’ cleared that up for us.

“So, it’s a modified twister,” Stevie Ray clarified. “I land it in the gym a lot, it’s a move that I use… Last year I was on Polaris… I submitted another guy, Craig Ewers; a BJJ, and Judo blackbelt, and I got him with it… It was a little bit different because it’s the same from the body triangle with the leg on the inside, but when I did it with Craig Ewers, I done it a little bit more of the traditional way. Like I went under the head, and I’m side on, but it’s still from the body triangle.”

“So yeah, and the other way, again: is when they come up on top,” Ray continued. “And in MMA… they (the opponent) will try and come up on top more often because they’re thinking they’re coming up in a guard…”

Stevie Ray Talks About Planning the Anthony Pettis Submission, Almost Chose a Rear Naked Choke Instead

“It’s a legit move. I planned it. When I had his back, I knew he did that escape. So, at one point I was kind of a bit: ‘Should I let him do it? Should I try and rear-naked choke him?’ and then I was like, ‘You know what, I’m gonna let him come up, and give him it.’”

“Everyone at my gym Higher Level MMA, at home, as soon as I got the body triangle they knew that I was probably gonna hit that. Even though I’ve got to be a bit careful with it in the gym because it’s obviously a brutal submission, I’ve landed it a lot, on most of my training partners.”

Watch the full interview below:

Stevie Ray finished Anthony Pettis 3:57 into round two and proved that bettors were wrong to have him be such a sizable underdog leading into the fight. Now, ‘BraveHeart’ advances into the PFL playoffs, where he meets Anthony Pettis again for a rematch.

Do you think Stevie Ray will defeat Anthony Pettis in the rematch?

Watch: Stevie Ray Submits Anthony Pettis With Rare Modified Twister Submission At PFL 5

Stevie RayTwo former UFC fighters faced off on the main card of PFL 5, as Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis took on Scotland’s Stevie Ray. Pettis, a former UFC lightweight champion, went into the fight with Ray as a -200 betting favorite. However, Ray would pick up a massive upset victory in truly impressive fashion. The first round […]

Stevie Ray

Two former UFC fighters faced off on the main card of PFL 5, as Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis took on Scotland’s Stevie Ray.

Pettis, a former UFC lightweight champion, went into the fight with Ray as a -200 betting favorite. However, Ray would pick up a massive upset victory in truly impressive fashion.

The first round was a competitive affair, with Pettis attempting to put a stamp on it at the end with a typical ‘Showtime’ spinning kick.

However, in the second round, the fight would hit the canvas. Despite Pettis being in top positon, Stevie Ray was able to lock in a modified submission, which some are calling a twister and others a body lock. Regardless of its name, the unique submission attempt was successful and Anthony Pettis was forced to tap out.

This win secured Stevie Ray’s place in the PFL Playoffs, alongside Olivier Aubin Mercier, Alexander Martinez, and Anthony Pettis – who had already secured his place in the playoffs with a first-round finish over Myles Price, prior to the fight with Ray.

Stevie Ray was not the only underdog to pick up a big win at PFL 5

Despite Stevie Ray being priced by the bookies as a +250 underdog, his win was far from the biggest upset on the card.

Heavyweights Bruno Cappelozza and Renan Ferreira were both massive favorites to win their respective bouts. However, both men were handed shocks losses, as Matheus Scheffel and Klidson Abreu both ground out tough decision victories.

On the preliminary card, Juan Adams was also able to pick up an underdog victory, TKOing Sam Kei inside the difference.

Top 7 MMA Finishes Of May 2022

If you were looking for slick submissions and brutal knockouts last month, you weren’t disappointed. Let’s take a look back at some of the best MMA finishes of May 2022 from the UFC, Bellator and the PFL. 7. Yoel Romero def. Alex Polizzi — Bellator 280 45-year-old Yoel Romero wound back the clock at Bellator…

Continue Reading Top 7 MMA Finishes Of May 2022 at MMA News.

If you were looking for slick submissions and brutal knockouts last month, you weren’t disappointed. Let’s take a look back at some of the best MMA finishes of May 2022 from the UFC, Bellator and the PFL.

7. Yoel Romero def. Alex Polizzi — Bellator 280

45-year-old Yoel Romero wound back the clock at Bellator 280 to snatch his first win in over four years. And it came right at the buzzer.

The “Soldier of God” had outclassed Alex Polizzi for most of the fight, having dropped him on four occasions. Then, with just one second on the clock, Romero gave the Parisian crowd what they’d come to see. Surging forward with fists pumping, the Cuban knocked Polizzi to the canvas before finishing the job with a huge right to the temple.

A far cry from Romero’s flying-knee KO’s of old, but still a worthy mention among the best MMA finishes of May 2022.

6. Brandon Royval def. Matthew Schnell — UFC 274

Flyweights Brandon Royval and Matthew Schnell were involved in a quick yet wild encounter at UFC 274. It all seemed to be going Schnell’s way when he dropped Royval and quickly pounced into top position. But that’s when Royval—a man with nine submission wins to his name—got to work.

Schnell soon found himself hopelessly ensnared in Royval’s jiu-jitsu and fending off multiple submission attempts. When those didn’t work, Royval separated and quickly reengaged to lock in a guillotine choke that had Schnell tapping in seconds.

5. Anthony Pettis def. Myles Price — PFL 3

It took him three attempts, but Anthony Pettis finally got his first PFL win in May—and a quick one at that. The 35-year-old started strong against Myles Price, sending him to the canvas with a right uppercut. On top and in control, “Showtime” then got to work.

Price did well to stifle any effective ground and pound and eventually scrambled out from underneath Pettis, then shortly after assumed top position. But “Showtime” used this to his advantage. Rolling Price into a triangle choke, Pettis then transitioned back into top position and squeezed Price into submission with less than a minute left of round one.

4. Andre Fialho def. Cameron VanCamp — UFC 274

Andre Fialho could be the dark horse of the UFC welterweight division, and at UFC 274 he showed why. Fialho took a very measured approach early in his fight with VanCamp, stalking the American down and landing tentative strikes. But when VanCamp clipped Fialho, the Portuguese decided to throw caution to the wind.

His hands opened up and now free flowing, Fialho traded with VanCamp before holding back slightly and allowing the American to take the initiative. And when he did, Fialho landed a left counter that sent VanCamp collapsing to the canvas in stages.

3. Chidi Njokuani def. Dusko Todorovic — UFC Vegas 55

Coming off a 16-second KO win on his UFC debut just three months prior, you couldn’t blame Chidi Njokuani for expecting to make quick work of Dusko Todorovic. But it’s fair to say that for most of this fight, things didn’t go to plan for the former Bellator and Contender Series veteran.

After failing to lock in a guillotine choke early on, a frustrating night of clinching against the fence and fending off single legs seemed destined for Njokuani. That was until “Chidi Bang Bang,” out of nowhere and with just 12 seconds left in the round, produced an elbow animated by such velocity that any follow up strikes were rendered glaringly unnecessary.

2. Charlies Oliveira def. Justin Gaethje — UFC 273

Somehow, Charles Oliveira turned one of the most disastrous weeks of his career into a triumph.

It took just over three minutes for the Brazilian to submit Justin Gaethje in their championship bout at UFC 273. And the manner in which he did it all but erased the fact that just a day earlier he’d become the first UFC champ stripped of their title for missing weight.

It was a frenetic, back-and-forth fight while it lasted. Oliveira rocked Gaethje early before the American returned the favor, sending Oliveira sprawling to the canvas. But soon after, the Brazilian took Gaethje’s back, landed some wicked elbows, attempted a triangle choke, and when that didn’t work, sunk in a rear-naked choke to get the win.

Olivera is now in rarefied air atop the UFC record books. His 16 submissions, 19 finishes and 18 bonuses earned in the promotion are unmatched by any fighter. And with 11 consecutive wins, he’s quickly closing in on Anderson Silva’s record of 16.

1. Michael Chandler def. Tony Ferguson — UFC 273

Many of us thought the greatest front-kick KO would forever belong to Anderson Silva. That was until UFC 273, where the best MMA finish of May 2022, and possibly the year, took place.

Eyes widened and lower jaws hurtled to earth when Michael Chandler’s foot made contact with Tony Ferguson’s chin—an impact that warped his face into a frighteningly ghoulish mess before it thudded almost in slow motion to the canvas. So nasty was Chandler’s punt that UFC President Dana White deemed it “the most vicious knockout” he’s ever seen.

MMA finishes May 2022

Chandler isn’t someone who needs much of an excuse to launch himself into a somersault, and this KO was certainly reason enough to do so. The former Bellator lightweight champ repeatedly hurled himself through the air not meters from the seemingly lifeless Ferguson, who remained laid out unconscious on the canvas for several minutes.

We’d seen Ferguson beaten to a pulp before, namely two fights earlier by Justin Gaethje, but this was the first time he’d been knocked out in his career. And it came after a wild first round in which “El Cucuy” showed flashes of his former brilliance, rocking Chandler several times.

But just when we thought Ferguson might be back on track to challenging the best in the lightweight division, 17 seconds into round two, he was handed his fourth-straight loss with what may turn out to be the knockout of the year.

Do you think these are the best MMA finishes of May 2022? Let us know in the comments.

Continue Reading Top 7 MMA Finishes Of May 2022 at MMA News.