The prospect of becoming a champion is what enticed Anthony Pettis to sign with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Pettis made headlines earlier this week when he revealed he had departed from the UFC as he was looking to explore his options in free agency.
It didn’t take long for the former UFC lightweight champion to find a new home as within a day, he signed an exclusive multi-fight deal with the PFL where he will compete in the lightweight division for the upcoming 2021 season.
Naturally, the contract he was offered played a role, but more than anything, it was the opportunity to become a champion in the next 12 months — with the conclusion of the 2021 season — that sealed the deal.
“Honestly, I knew what I was looking for,” Pettis told SCMP MMA. “My goal right now at this stage of my career to become a champ.
“In the UFC, I’ve never fought out my contract ever. I always signed with two or three fights left. They did offer me a contract, but I made up my mind, talked to my managers and said, ‘Let’s see what’s out there’. If I’m ever gonna make a move, it’s the right time now.
“I’m still young in this game, I’m back motivated and hungry to become a champion and the deal the PFL offered me was very, very fair. And the opportunity to become a champion in 12 months, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
“If I went to another organisation, I would’ve had to fight my way up, I’m not saying it couldn’t be done, but I love the format these guys put out. Also they’re on ESPN, so it doesn’t change my audience, they can see my fights the exact same way, it just really made sense.”
