Pettis

By FCF Staff

Anthony Pettis may have lost his opportunity to fight featherweight champion Jose Aldo on August 3rd at UFC 163 due to a knee injury, but appears as though the former WEC lightweight champ will receive another chance to fight for a belt when he returns.

According to a report from MMA Junkie.com, UFC President Dana White confirmed after UFC 161 last night in Winnipeg, that Pettis could fight for the title at featherweight or lightweight, when he’s ready to fight again. Pettis was awarded an immediate title shot at 145 pounds when he expressed an interest in fighting Aldo earlier this year, however, he tore meniscus in his knee and had to pull out of UFC 163. Chan Sung Jung has been named as his replacement.

White also relayed that although Pettis has asked to fight Benson Henderson at UFC 164 on August 31st, which takes place in his hometown of Milwaukee, the original bout with TJ Grant will proceed. Since Pettis won’t undergo surgery for the knee, and reportedly has been told by a physical therapist he could be ready for August 31st, White wants to stand by a physician’s initial diagnosis that the fighter needs “a good six weeks” to recover.

Pettis hasn’t fought since UFC on FOX 6 in January, when he quickly put lightweight contender Donald Cerrone away with strikes.