Decision to leave UFC was tough for Sergio Pettis, but opportunities led to Bellator debut
Sergio Pettis makes his Bellator debut this weekend after deciding to part ways with the UFC. He faces Alfred Khashakyan on the main card of Bellator 239.
“The Phenom” (18-5 MMA) looks to get back on a win streak come Saturday night at The Forum. But let it be known, leaving the UFC wasn’t an easy decision.
“I had a lot of goals and a lot of things that I wanted to do in the UFC, but you know what, I’m 26 years old, I left the UFC on a W,” said Pettis. “It’s not like I got cut or anything. It’s just I left out of my decision to leave. There’s good opportunity here in Bellator.”
Although options were on the table, all roads pointed towards working with Scott Coker and the Bellator promotion. And for his debut, Pettis drew a game opponent in Khashakyan (11-4 MMA).
“He’s not as known, but his skill set is good… He’s gonna come out there and try to f*ck me up. so, I’m excited.”
Pettis loves when his opponents come on aggressive. It allows him to bring them into his realm, where he’s best at. Although debuts usually come with nerves and expectations, Sergio is heading into the fight more zen than ever before.
“The most I’ve learned [in MMA], you can’t take it too serious man. Like, this job is already serious,” said Pettis. “So, you gotta have fun. When I have fun, I’m loose, and that’s my style, loose fluid style. So, uh, you know, no more stress, no more expectations. Just go out there and do what I do best.”
See the full interview below on The Scrap’s YouTube channel.
About Post Author
Joey Torres
Joey Torres is the creative force behind The Scrap. A graduate of the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, he blends branding expertise with a sharp creative vision to produce original content and in-depth storytelling.
Related Posts:
Additional Content
How to Watch TNA Lockdown 2026: Card Preview & Predictions
TNA Lockdown 2026 is set to take place in Chicago, Illinois, at the Credit Union 1 Arena on Sunday, August...
The UFC Has a Problem, and His Name Is Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates is set to headline a UFC Fight Night in Perth, Australia on May 2nd, taking on the division’s...
How to Watch TNA Slammiversary 2026: Card Preview & Predictions
TNA Slammiversary 2026 is set to go down in Boston, Massachusetts inside the Agganis Arena on Sunday, June 28th. Whether...
How to Watch AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026: Card Preview & Predictions
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 is set to go down inside the SAP Center on Sunday, June 28th. But...
How to Watch WWE Backlash 2026: Card Preview & Predictions
WWE Backlash 2026 is set to go down inside the Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, May 9th. Whether you're tuning...
UFC 6 Reportedly Targeting a Summer Release
UFC 6 is reportedly set to release on June 19th, signaling the return of one of the most popular combat...
