Anthony Pettis

By FCF Staff

Anthony Pettis has gone 2-4 since he lost the lightweight title to Rafael dos Anjos in 2014, and has slipped out of the UFC’s top ten ranks at 155. But, according to one of the star’s coaches, Pettis is looking like his old self ahead of his bout with Michael Chiesa.

Pettis (20-7) will take on Chiesa at UFC 226, which will take place on July 7th in Las Vegas. The bout will mark the first time Pettis has competed since November, when he lost via submission to Dustin Poirier. Recently “Showtime’s” head coach, Duke Roufus, talked with MMA Junkie.com Radio. While doing so, the renowned coach had this to say about Pettis (quote via MMA Junkie):

“He’s got that dog back in the fight, that faith, that look, that aggression, and that hunger,” Roufus said. “Unfortunately, it happens (that fighters lose their edge). ‘Rocky’ movies are more realistic than people know.

“For me, if he makes a comeback, it will be one of the most triumphant things I’ve ever done in my life.”

Chiesa (14-3), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since 2017, when he was defeated by Kevin Lee. Chiesa has gone 3-2 in his last five bouts.