Former UFC champ Anthony Pettis (Photo : Photo: Anthony Pettis Twitter)
Former UFC Lightweight Champion, Anthony "Showtime" Pettis, was perceived as a slick, invulnerable highlight-waiting-to-happen-type of fighter before being brought back down to earth by current champ, Rafael dos Anjos.
Now, as he picks up the pieces and starts another run at a UFC title, the Milwaukee-native is looking for a big challenge for his return bout.
Pettis is scheduled to fight Eddie Alvarez - a 30-fight veteran who's also a two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion - on January 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 81.
"For me, it's just a comeback fight," Pettis said in an interview with Germany's GNP1. "I want to compete and get my belt back. I was on top of the world, had a bad performance. That wasn't me in that fight, you know?"
He then focused on what Alvarez brings to the table.
"I think Eddie's tough," the 28-year-old claimed. "He has great hands. He's been around for a long time. He's been in five-round fights, so we know, he has the gas tank, the ability to compete at the highest level."
If Showtime wins this bout, he'll probably be in line for a rematch against the UFC Lightweight titleholder.
On the other side of the coin, a victory can also mean a date with interim featherweight champion, Conor McGregor - who isn't hiding his plans on dominating the 155-pound division, as well.
"It's all talk until it happens, man," Pettis declared. "He talks well. He's doing a great job for his weight class. I mean, there would be no big money fights in featherweight, besides."
In addition, like many other fighters who had their feathers ruffled by McGregor, he offered some reality check to the brash Irishman.
"For him (McGregor) to say he's gonna come up there and walk through everybody, it's crazy. He's only beat Chad Mendes, one guy in the featherweight class that's top five."
For Pettis, one of the reasons why he's somewhat considering a move down to the 145-pound division is not to face and rake in the big bucks of a Conor McGregor fight, rather for the simple fact about claiming his title back.
"I want my belt back, that's my main goal," he stated. "You know, I'm doing well financially, I'm not hurting at all. So for me, the goal right now is getting my belt back."
