Pettis

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Anthony Pettis will not challenge for the UFC lightweight title next, as Frankie Edgar will in fact rematch lightweight champ Ben Henderson, the dynamic contender has decided to undergo surgery for an undisclosed injury.

News of the lightweight’s decision was reported on Tuesday’s edition of the FX program “UFC Tonight”, and the fighter’s manager Mike Roberts confirmed to FCF today that Pettis will indeed have surgery. As a result, the 25 year-old-fighter will be unavailable to fight until mid to late summer.

After Pettis knocked out Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 last month, there was considerable speculation that the former WEC champ would challenge Henderson next, who he defeated by unanimous decision at WEC 53. Edgar’s wish to rematch Henderson was granted by the UFC, however, postponing the title shot aspirations of Pettis. Edgar, Henderson II is expected to take place sometime in the summer.

Since the win over Henderson, Pettis has gone 2-1 in UFC action, as the Roufusport fighter lost by unanimous decision to Clay Guida in June, before scoring wins over Jeremy Stephens and the aforementioned Lauzon.

The highlight reel, head kick stoppage of Lauzon earned Pettis “Knockout of the Night” honors. Aside from Guida, the only other man to defeat Pettis during his five year career is Bart Palaszewski, who earned a split decision win over him at WEC 45.