Sergio Pettis (image via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Sergio Pettis added Bellator’s bantamweight title to his resume on Saturday night, and after the big win, the 27-year-old relayed he believes he was also on a championship path in the UFC.

Pettis faced Juan Archuleta in the headliner of Bellator 258, and outscored the well-rounded fighter for the decision victory. The win was the Roufusport fighter’s third under the Bellator banner, since he exited the UFC in 2019.

Following the impressive victory, Pettis had this to say about the success he’s had with Bellator (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I feel like I was on my way to becoming a champ in the UFC, as well,” Pettis said. “I just didn’t have the time or the star power that they wanted me to have. I’m a pretty normal dude out here, honest to God. I love to train and fight. I’ve got two dogs and a lady. I don’t need too much outside that. I’m not really big into fashion or shining the way that they want me to shine or promoting myself on social media. I’m really the opposite of that, to be honest. It’s awesome that Bellator allows me to be myself and puts no pressure on me. I’m able to have these great performances and truly believe in myself.”

And while reflecting on his victory over Archuleta, Pettis said this.

“I just stuck to what I know – the basics,” Pettis said. “I stayed true to myself. I didn’t allow his movements to scare my movements. I was more worried about what I was going to do instead of what he was going to do. I was myself tonight. I was trying to flow like water and I feel like I did.”

Pettis now carries a record of 21-5 and is 4-1 in his last 5 fights. Archuleta saw his record slip to 25-3 with the loss on Saturday.