Thank you @ufc @danawhite
pic.twitter.com/pJtBo2Hpxc— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis)
December 23, 2020
Anthony
Pettis is parting ways with the Ultimate Fighting
Championship.
The former lightweight champion announced on social media Tuesday
that he is a free agent after fulfilling the last fight on his most
recent UFC deal. Pettis also issued a lengthy statement thanking
UFC staff and fans. That statement is as follows:
Almost 12 years with this company and so many amazing memories.
From winning my first world title at 23 years old to becoming the
UFC world champion at 26 in my hometown. From being on MTV to the
cover of the Wheaties box, I am forever grateful for everything I
have experienced and accomplished with this company!!!
Dana – thank you for everything you have done for me. I was just a
kid from the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a big dream.
You helped me turn thta dream into a reality. THANK YOU!!!
Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, Reed Harris, Sean Shelby, Dave Sholler,
and Burt Watson, you have helped me and impacted my life and career
in countless ways. I will be forever thankful. Everyone at the PI,
you helped take my game to the next level! Everyone that works
behind the scenes, I am so grateful for your tireless work,
especially on the road, you have no idea how much you are
appreciated. Thank YOU!!!
Last and most importantly the UFC fans … thank you!!! You gave me
energy in every fight. I hope I have been able to you that ANYTHING
is possible. I am excited about my future in this sport. I promise
I am not done.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all,
“Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis”
Pettis completed his promotional contract with a unanimous decision
victory over Alex Morono
at UFC Fight Night 183 on Dec. 19. The Roufusport standout went
10-9 in the organization, capturing the 155-pound belt with a
first-round submission of Benson
Henderson at UFC 164. He defended the belt once with a win over
Gilbert
Melendez before relinquishing the title to Rafael dos
Anjos at UFC 185. Prior to his UFC stint, Pettis was the final
lightweight champion of the World Extreme Cagefighting
organization.
Pettis’ next destination is unknown, but his younger brother,
Sergio
Pettis, currently competes in Bellator MMA’s bantamweight
division.