'Showtime' Comes to PFL, Two-Time MMA Champion Anthony Pettis Signs up

Anthony Pettis already mentioned that he would explore the free-agent market after his last UFC fight against Alex Morono. It appears he already had planned beforehand after announcing his move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) last Dec. 23.

In an official release from the PFL, Pettis agreed to a multi-year deal with the promotion. He is seen as a big addition, someone who knows how to excite the crowd with his human highlight reels.

So far, the 33-year-old has notched 23 career wins, 11 of them coming from knockouts. That included one of MMA’s iconic moments where he ran off the cage and threw a flying kick at Benson Henderson at WEC 53 for the WEC lightweight championship on Dec. 16, 2010. For those who were unable to see that, check out the video below.

That move earned the moniker "Showtime Kick" aside from earning his first world title. From there, his success inside the cage was evident, one of the reasons why PFL CEO Peter Murray is elated to have the Wisconsin native on board.

“Not only is Anthony a transcendent athlete within the sport of MMA, but he is also an innovator in the cage who is known for his charismatic fighting style and determination to win. I am confident that Anthony will bring that ‘wow’ factor into every matchup he participates in over the course of our season format, and we’re excited for him to join the PFL family,” Murray said.

Pettis is equally looking forward to his next big challenge in the PFL. He admits he is impressed with the promotion and made it clear that he is there to win more titles. One person he already has on his radar is Natan Schulte, the current lightweight champion.

“I’m super impressed with what the PFL has built, how they are growing the sport, and the amazing talent they have added. I’ve been watching the Brazilian guy [Natan] Schulte who is the champion and he is really good but there isn’t anyone I’m scared of,” Pettis said.

The PFL’s 2021 season will begin on April 23 on ESPN2. The remaining Regular Season events will take place on April 29, May 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25.