Anthony Pettis

BIOGRAPHY

Anthony Pettis is an American mixed martial artist and former UFC Lightweight Champion. During his career, he has fought in the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Strikeforce, and UFC organizations. He currently competes for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Pettis was born on January 27th, 1987 in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Eugene and Annette Pettis. As a child he grew up training in taekwondo alongside his brother Sergio at the family-owned gym; however Anthony’s true passion was football. Originally a running back attending school at Dominican High School of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; it wasn’t until later that he would pursue his dreams of becoming a professional fighter after being inspired by watching the MMA fights on television with his father Eugene.

At age 20, Anthony had made it clear to everyone around him that fighting was going to be a major part of his life when he made his amateur Mixed Martial Arts debut against Michael Fordham which ended in win via submission due to Rear Naked choke hold just 53 seconds into round one. After this fight, Anthony continued competing as an amateur fighter appearing seven times before turning pro three years later.

Once making the transition from amateur to professional fighter things began really taking off for Pettis who signed with WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) where he won four out of five fights leading up to receiving title shot against then champion Benson Henderson where Pettis won via guillotine choke early round two thus earning himself first ever world championship belt as well becoming only third man ever earn finish inside octagon history along way winning “submission night bonus”. Following this victory over Henderson Pettis went onto defend title twice more against Clay Guida Josh Thomson both ending similar fashion with submission victories rendering him WEC’s first lightweight champion stay undefeated during promotion run before merging into Ultimate Fighting Championship late 2010 where continued success winning Fight Night bonuses various events including Upset Year Award 2012 versus Joe Lauzon adding another highlight reel moment future contender highlight reels alike following record setting kick off cage wall during match further cementing legacy as one most technical exciting strikers all time within sport martial arts .
     Presently remaining active member within fighting community remains grounded small business owner spending majority time outside ring teaching students honing skills fitness center still operating called Roufusport located hometown Milwaukee continuing boxing Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrestling disciplines other programs taught there such Muay Thai MMA students gain experience knowledge coming through doors provided many tips tricks learned throughout course own journey training high ranking fighters industry today . Presently associated Professional Fighters League organization competing within their established light weight division looking reclaim glory days previous reign champions . In conclusion despite having various bouts injuries setbacks faced throughout career Anthony remains strong showing why earned nickname Showtime while never forgetting roots which all started becoming accomplished martial artist humble beginnings home state Wisconsin down road looking look bring same energy enthusiasm displayed start each upcoming challenge ahead remain hopeful reach point beyond anything could imagined once starting way back day nearly two decades ago can say sure knows how put good show no matter what situation may be!