It seems like ages ago that Anthony
Pettis went viral with his “Showtime Kick” at the final World
Extreme Cagefighting event or claimed UFC gold with a submission of
Benson
Henderson in his hometown of Milwaukee.
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However, while Pettis has been a big star for more than a decade
now, his passion for mixed martial arts hasn’t waned as he heads
into a PFL 5 showdown with Steven Ray on
Friday at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlana. In other words,
retirement hasn’t really crossed his mind.
“I don’t think about an exit plan. I’m only 35 years old,” Pettis
said during a PFL media day. “I did so much early in my career that
people just remember me from the beginning of the sport. When this
sport became popular and social media just popped up, that’s when I
was making my claim to fame. I’m still hungy, I’m still motivated,
and I’m still training with some of the best of the world. I know
my skill set. I still have a lot more to prove.”
Much of Pettis’ current motivation stems from a disappointing debut
campaign in the PFL. “Showtime” was a prominent free-agent signing
for the organization but went 0-2 in 2021 to miss the playoffs
entirely.
“This season’s all about redemption,” he said. “Last year didn’t go
my way. I still love this sport.I think fighting is something that
I was born to do. I’m trying to go out there and get this third
belt.”
While Pettis has endured his share of ups and downs since his
championship heyday, he remains driven to succeed. He admits that
the season format of the PFL has required an adjustment.
“I don’t think the motivation’s ever been an issue for me,” Pettis
said. “I train hard. I’ve always trained hard. It’s just that the
game changes. The guys are getting better. Especially in this
format. It’s totally different than anything I was used to … You’ve
got to do the bulk of your training early in the season because
this really is a season format.”
While Pettis has already clinched a playoff spot at lightweight, he
isn’t looking past his matchup with Ray.
“I’m focused. The way last season went makes me have a lot to prove
this season,” Pettis said. “Anything can happen. I go out there and
make a bad mistake and [then I have to] pull out of the tournament.
I know the guy I’m fighting, he needs the points to get in the
tournament … I’m trying to take it one fight at a time and just
enjoy this process.”