Anthony Pettis

By FCF Staff

Anthony Pettis has just one win in his last five fights, and the former champ says focusing too much on his wrestling, is a key reason why.

Pettis will take on rugged, lightweight vet Jim Miller tonight, on the main card of UFC 213. Pettis will be looking for just his second win since 2014, as the former lightweight champ’s only victory during that time came against Charles Oliveira last August.

Recently Pettis spoke to MMA Junkie.com Radio about his bout tonight, and while discussing his recent setbacks, “Showtime” said the following (quote via  MMA Junkie):

“I honestly went away from the wrestling,” Pettis said. “I just went and focused on what I was good at: striking. A lot of striking this camp. A lot of jiu-jitsu. I think the wrestling is always there. But I’d just put that in my head, that I had to get better at it, to get better at it.

“I was just too focused on wrestling, and that took away from all the other parts of my game.”

The 30 year-old has is returning to the lightweight division after struggling to make 145 for his last fight, a stoppage loss to Max Holloway.

UFC 213 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.