WEC lightweight contender Anthony “Showtime” Pettis appearedon the new MTV reality/documentary show “The World of Jenks” on Monday night. This is good timing as it was recently announcedthat Pettis will face Benson Henderson for the WEC lightweight championship on December 16th.
The episode focuses on Pettis’ life and training leading up to his fight in March with Danny Castillo at WEC’s event in Columbus, Ohio last March.
Pettis has an interesting and tragic backstory. His father was murdered in 2003, when Anthony was just 15 years old. Martial arts served as a refuge for him, and kept him focused when he could have easily gone down the path to drugs and gangs, as some of his family did. (via Cagewriter)
Payout Perspective:
I enjoy the sports reality shows where you get to hear about the behind the scenes back story of an athlete. I recall watching an episode of MTV’s True Life which featured mixed martial artists. One of those fighters happened to be Frankie Edgar. Ironically, it was shot in lead up to his matchup with Gray Maynard. Can Pettis be the next success story?
For Pettis, this is great exposure for the casual fan to get to know him and his story. It is also a great way to promote the WEC and its card later this week and Pettis’ fight in December.
This is yet another great example of MMA moving into mainstream consciousness.
I wish we could get WEC coverage in the UK.