MMA Weeklyreports that Anthony “Showtime” Pettis will not wait for the winner of the Edgar/Maynard trilogy. Pettis’ manager stated that the last lightweight WEC champ will fight before his eventual title shot.
Via MMA Weekly:
“Anthony was obviously disappointed in not getting the title shot, but he also understands why Dana made that decision,” Roberts said. “After consulting with Anthony and Duke Roufus, we collectively decided that it would be in Anthony’s best interest to take a fight in the meantime.
Pettis would like to fight in the first half of 2011 as prep for his title shot later in the year.
Payout Perspective:
This is a risky move for Pettis, but the right move. According to reports, Edgar was out until July 1st with a broken nose, however, rumors are floating that the Edgar/Maynard trilogymay happen during the UFC’s Memorial Day Weekend show. (h/t MMA Fighting)
If Pettis were to wait, his career momentum from his Showtime Kick would stall. Fighting prior to his title shot would help get fans acquainted with his fighting style. Also, it wouldn’t hurt if he were to pull off another stunning kick or move. Also, taking another fight shows that he is a “company man” as his management puts it, he “understands why Dana made the decision.” He could have been a diva about the matchmaking and demanded the shot.
Staying busy waiting for a title shot is getting to be commonplace. Junior dos Santos indicated that he would not wait for his title match with Cain Velasquez. Also, Josh Grispi fought on the UFC 125 undercard despite Jose Aldo pulling out (due to injury) of their title fight. Unfortunately for Grispi, his loss could mean losing his title shot…a definite possibility for Pettis if he were to lose.
It’s a catch 22. If he fights and loses before meeting the winner of Edgar/Maynard he loses his title shot. If he waits, as you have indicated a whole bunch of negatives occur. If I was him I’d take a fight in between. Win or Lose it will be better for him in the long run. Maybe he’s not quite ready for the shot at the moment.
From a financial standpoint it will pay off much better for the UFC. Neither Edgar or Maynard are a big draw for business, but building a rematch will be easy and should generate a bit more interest in their next fight. If the UFC were smart, they would add a #1 contender match with Pettis on the same card, maybe against someone like Guida.
He could just fight Jacob Volkmann wearing an Obama mask…