Pettis (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Shortly before Anthony Pettis will battle the renowned Gilbert Melendez, UFC President Dana White is arguing that the promotion’s lightweight champ is also the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighter.

White reportedly made the comment while appearing on CBS Sports Radio‘s “Jim Rome Show”, in advance of the Pettis-Melendez fight, which will co-headline UFC 181.

According to a report from MMA Junkie.com, White stated:

“Honestly, I think Pettis is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, if the kid can stay healthy,” White said. “This kid is able to do things to people that other people can’t do. The famous run-off-the-cage kick, he bounces off the cage and hits people with knees.

Currently light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones is ranked as the UFC’s #1 P4P fighter, but those rankings are determined by a media panel.

Pettis (17-2) won the lightweight title by tapping out Benson Henderson with a first round, armbar last August, but has yet to defend the belt.

The highlight reel striker was sidelined with a knee injury, and then Pettis coached opposite of Melendez on TUF 20.