“They’re addicted to the fame”- Anthony Pettis suggests fighters to pick money over UFC fame
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Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis
Former UFC champion Anthony Pettis is currently signed with the PFL promotion. Last week in an interview on The MMA Hour, Pettis discussed how new fighters are addicted to the UFC fame. Showtime discussed how his fellow fighters favour the fame and publicity being in the UFC brings.
Showtime is an American professional mixed martial artist. He has previously fought in the Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight divisions of the UFC. He is also the last WEC Lightweight champion before the promotion was merged into the UFC. Pettis last fought in the UFC in 2020. Showtime currently competes in the PFL.
Anthony Pettis also holds the accolade of being the only Fighter to Knock Out UFC vet Stephen Thompson. After leaving the UFC Anthony Pettis is currently on a rough road in his carrier. As he has had only one win since then. Showtime is currently 1-4 in his PFL carrier. He recently lost his 5th PFL fight to Steven Ray via UD. After a total of 39 fights, his record stands at 25 -14.
Related: “Kick ** homie” Nate Diaz has encouraging words for Anthony Pettis as he heads into his PFL 7 fight
Anthony Pettis is appalled by young fighters choosing DWCS over guaranteed money
It’s common knowledge that even with the presence of other MMA promotions in the world as well as in America. The UFC is still the most superior name in MMA today. Although a lot of big profile fighters in recent times are willing to sacrifice a big stage like the UFC to get a good paycheck.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Anthony Pettis discussed his upcoming rematch, his gambling success, as well as many young fighters picking UFC fame instead of money. The former UFC champion stated, “It’s weird. I think the fame that comes with fighting in the UFC, these fighters are addicted to that. They want that more than the guarantee, They’re like, I’m willing to risk not getting paid a certain amount to get the fame that comes with it and the recognition that comes with fighting on a UFC fight card.”
Showtime stated, “The general public looks at the UFC like it’s the best place to fight, it’s the only place to fight. But as fighters, you’re supposed to take care of yourself. Most guys don’t get to fight as long as I got to fight. So I got to see all the phases of the MMA chain, from when the UFC got bought out to the WME, how those changes happened.”
Pettis further added, “I’ve got fighters that will say no to more money just to get on ‘The Contender Series’ (DWCS). You can’t really do anything. You’re like, ‘Dude, this is guaranteed money – you can still build yourself and build your career – if that’s what makes sense for your career, then go to that. But I think eventually, once the general public stops pushing that on fighters, then we’ll see fighters making different decisions.”
Ultimately, Showtime had one piece of advice for the young fighters, “I think fighters should definitely test the market. And there’s so many more organizations coming out now that are paying good guys. Eagle FC, Khabib’s show, they’re paying guys good money.”
Also Read: Chael Sonnen voices his support for UFC President Dana White amidst raging UFC fighter pay issue
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Abhijit Singh
(125 Articles Published)