With his back literally up against the fence, Anthony Pettis proved Saturday he’s still got it — and perhaps has found a new life at 170 pounds.
Most counted “Showtime” out of his UFC Nashville main-event bout against Stephen Thompson. He was moving up to welterweight for the first time against a bigger, just-as-dangerous man in Thompson. And most believed Pettis’ best days were behind him.
Pettis’ move to welterweight was rather unexpected, and at first glance, perhaps bizarre and even unnecessary. Some looked at it as Pettis running out of ideas, trying to get back the consistency he boasted several years ago, but ultimately an attempt destined to fail.