Former UFC champion Anthony Pettis came out on top in the preliminary card main event for UFC Vegas 17. ‘Showtime’ defeated Alex Morono by unanimous decision across the board and is now on his first streak since 2014. The number 12 ranked fighter moved up to welterweight after a tough lightweight skid but he seems keen to make it back.
Following his decision win, Pettis spoke out on the mic and revealed a desire to make it back down to lightweight. He is looking to chase the 155-pound strap one last time before retiring. Anthony Pettis who struggled to find stability in the latter stages of his career is finally coming into his own.
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UFC welterweights: Anthony Pettis vs Alex Morono
The bout played out as a competitive contest right from the get-go as Morono is a game adversary for anyone at 170-pounds. Chiefly, it was the final round that turned out to be the decider as Pettis showed championship level metal to pull away. Morono started off strong and threatened an RNC submission for a large section of the opening minutes.
29-28
29-28
29-28Anthony Pettis does enough to score a unanimous decision victory at #UFCVegas17 👏 pic.twitter.com/Jxfg3OKlwY
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) December 20, 2020
The general consensus was a one-one split heading into the final round, as Pettis had certainly found his wits about him. The deciding factor was within Pettis’ kicking game that would end up being the undoing of Morono on the cards. ‘Showtime’ landed a spinning head kick that visibly stunned Morono, and the follow-up shots certainly brought the fight in ‘Showtime’s’ favor.
The wheel kick by @Showtimepettis had Morono on wobbly legs 😬 #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/MiS6tylLIy
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 20, 2020
Fittingly, it’s just over a decade removed from his incredible ‘Showtime Kick’ extravaganza over Benson Henderson. Fans looked back fondly at the moment that catapulted him into stardom overnight. Moreover, the fact that he etched out a win on the merit of his kicks will certainly make his recent win sweeter. Additionally, MMA fighters had plenty to say about the former champion who also fought out his UFC contract.
Wow pettis finishes with a crazy technical and creative spinning headkick right after throwing a leg kick. Great fight for him! I can't wait to try that technique tomorrow. 😁
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) December 20, 2020
Pettis beating Morono straight down the middle!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2020
Vintage Showtime!! Ya love to see it. #UFCVegas17
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) December 20, 2020
Pettit always fun to watch! #UFCVegas17
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) December 20, 2020
Great win congrats bro @Showtimepettis
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 20, 2020
MY MAN!!!! @Showtimepettis with the W!!!!!! #UFCVegas17
— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) December 20, 2020
The fan-favorite fighter seemingly has one last run in him, and he’ll have to be selective about the fights he takes. With a move to lightweight on the cards, there are several match-ups that would propel him towards contention.
However, fighters with great acumen in the grappling department could be a nightmare match-up for him given his recent scuffles on the ground.
