Last month, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis returned to the division he once ruled after a short stint at featherweight. His opponent in this return was ever-exciting veteran Jim Miller. Pettis looked great in his lightweight return, out-duelling Miller to a sound unanimous decision win. Now, he’s keen to step back into the cage and take another step in the direction of the title.
During the broadcast of last night’s UFC Fight Night 114, Pettis revealed that he has an opponent in mind for his second fight back in the lightweight division. That opponent is all-action contender Dustin Poirier.
“We’re hoping for Dustin Poirier,” Pettis said on Fox Sports. “Either in New York or Vegas.”
This comment from Pettis quickly generated a response from Poirier, who assured this is a fight he’s game for.
I’m down
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 6, 2017
“I’m down,” Poirier said
Prior to his defeat of Jim Miller, Pettis came up short in an interim featherweight title fight opposite Max Holloway. This loss was preceded by an impressive submission win over Charles Oliveira.
When Poirier last stepped into the cage, he battled former champ Eddie Alvarez to a disappointing no contest. Though it initially sounded as though we were in for a rematch between these two exciting fighters, Alvarez was instead pencilled in for a scrap with Justin Gaethje. This news, of course, did not go over well with Poirier.
Throw illegal knees to get out now Dodge the rematch great job CHAMP
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 11, 2017
Do you want to see Dustin Poirier and Anthony Pettis do battle? Join the conversation in the comments section!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 8/6/2017.