Anthony Pettis is confident that his return to the octagon will last no longer than one round. The UFC Lightweight champion will defend his belt for the first time at UFC 181, on December 6, ending a layoff of 15 months.. In an interview to Combate.com, “Showtime” said that he has mouths to shut.
“The fans can expect me finishing this fight in the first round. I’ve been out for a year and I’m excited to be back. I’m healthy, ready to fight and, unfortunately, Melendez will be my first opponent after my return. I say unfortunately because I’m sure that I won’t need more than one round. I have to shut up a lot of people and I have others to face.”
Despite his prediction of having a quick fight, Pettis has no problems with Melendez, even after their coaching season at TUF 20. However, “Showtime” isn’t happy about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s criticism, who said to Combate.com that the UFC LW champion “wasn’t a fighter but a playboy that only wants to party”.
“Gilbert is a cool guy but we haven’t chatted so much during the season and we haven’t had any arguing. He was there to be a coach and so was I. I’m a fighter and I have a belt for a reason. I got injured and couldn’t train like I wished but I’m back. When Khabib’s time comes, we’ll fight. Now I have Melendez in front of me and that is my concern but if Khabib is next, we’ll fight.”
Pettis fought for the last time when he submitted Ben Henderson at UFC 164, on August 31, and haven’t stepped on the octagon since then because of a knee injury.