After a yearlong absence, UFC lightweight champ Anthony "Showtime" Pettis will finally return to action this Saturday.
The 27-year old fighter will be defending his belt for the first time against former Strikeforce champion Gilbert "El Niño" Melendez. Both men will co-headline the UFC 181 fight card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Pettis has made himself known as a complete mixed martial artist, both adept in fighting on the feet and on the ground. Former UFC and WEC 155-pound champion Benson "Smooth" Henderson can very well attest to this, as he was at the receiving end of Pettis' now famous "Showtime kick" in December 2010 at the WEC's final event, and was once again finished by the same man in August 2013 after he verbally tapped from a double armbar.
Painfully for Henderson, both fights that he lost against Pettis were his title defenses.
Now, a new chapter in "Showtime's" fighting career has been opened. Melendez has proven himself to be a world-class competitor, a tough opponent to crack. His memorable performance to date was his barnburner against Diego Sanchez in October of last year.
Yet, despite "El Niño's' accomplishments, Anthony Pettis still seems to have the lack of respect towards his challenger. The champion's thoughts about the fight were revealed in his recent interview with FOX Sports.
"I think he's very basic when it comes to standup," Pettis said of his opponent. "He's got decent boxing and he's tough. That's most Mexican fighters, they are the most exciting fighters, they are tough and have good boxing. Unfortunately for him, that's my zone.
Pettis further belittled Melendez's game, calling him a "beginner."
"I think I outclass him in the striking like he's a beginner," he adds. "He's still new to striking. His wrestling's not strong enough to hold me down. Once it's on the feet, he's in for a long night. Or maybe a short night."
Short nights have been the trademark of Pettis' fights as of late. Having won three of his last four fights by first round stoppages, the champion sees no different outcome for the upcoming bout.
"It's mixed martial arts so anything is possible. With that being said, I don't see it going past the first."
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