Can Anthony Pettis Return To His Winning Ways?

Can Anthony Pettis Return To His Winning Ways?

By Eduardo Ramon

Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, the former UFC Lightweight Champion, has been anything but consistent as of late. Despite the recent rough patch in his career, can the former champion once again work his way back into title contention?

Pettis (20-7) first won the lightweight title back in August of 2013 by submitting Benson Henderson in the 1st round. He then went on to defend the title by again submitting Gilbert Melendez via guillotine choke in the 2nd round. At this time in his career, Pettis was looking rather unstoppable, that is until Rafael Dos Anjos came along and defeated the heavily favoured Pettis by decision thus causing Pettis to lose his lightweight title, and Pettis has seemingly been on a downward spiral ever since.

He would then go on to lose to several high level competitors such as Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza, Max Holloway, and Dustin Poirer, and only winning 2 of his last 7 with a submission over Charles Oliveira and a decision over Jim Miller.

One of the more unfortunate losses most recently coming from Dustin Poirer with a ‘submission’ loss due to Pettis’ rib being injured during a body triangle transition.

Pettis will soon face Michael Chiesa in an effort to put himself back into the upper echelon of the lightweight division. Chiesa (14-3) is coming off a controversial submission loss to Kevin Lee back in 2017.

Anthony Pettis vs Michael Chiesa will compete at UFC 226 on July 7, taking place at T-Mobile Arena.