Anthony Pettis (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Now that Anthony Pettis has finished his UFC deal, it sounds like the former lightweight champ is going to take some time to consider his next steps.

Pettis faced Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 17, and after he dropping the opening round, he battled back to win the final two. Leading up to the contest, ‘Showtime’ revealed that the bout was the final one on his current UFC deal.

After the win, Pettis had this to say about his future, now that he’s finished his contract on a two-fight winning streak (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I don’t know,” Pettis said. “I think that was the risk of taking this fight and not re-signing (a) UFC contract. Usually, I re-sign my UFC contract (with) three fights to go or two fights to go. This time, I’m like, ‘I’m 33 years old. I’ve been in this (game). This is my 11th-and-a-half year with this company, man. I’ve been with this company for a long time.’

“I love this place. I grew up under these lights. They made me who I am, but at this point, I’m just going to take my time, go to Christmas, have my New Year’s and then see what happens at the beginning of 2020 – and see what happens in 2021.”

Recently UFC President Dana White reported that as many as 60 cuts could be coming, as means to reduce an inflated roster, after the promotion decided to part ways with Yoel Romero. But, Pettis said this about the situation.

“Nah, not really,” Pettis said. “If I were to have let that get to my head, then I would’ve fought a different fight out there. … I don’t think my job was at stake. I’ve earned the right to be fighting where I’m at. I can fight with the best of them. I beat the guy in the main event of this card, ‘Wonderboy.’ He’s a great fighter.

With Saturday’s victory, the 33-year-old Pettis moved his overall record to 24-10. Pettis fought two other times in 20202. After being submitted by Diego Ferreira in January, Pettis outscored Donald Cerrone for the decision win in May.