DETROIT – Sergio Pettis is all about this potential champion vs. champion fight between Demetrious Johnson and T.J. Dillashaw, even if it hinders his own career in the short-term.

Pettis (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC), who meets Henry Cejudo (11-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in a potential flyweight title eliminator on Saturday’s UFC 218 pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, would likely be viewed as the obvious next contender for Johnson (27-2-1 MMA, 15-1-1 UFC) should he emerge victorious.

The problem, however, is that the UFC has expressed interest in having bantamweight champ Dillashaw (15-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) drop down a weight class to fight Johnson in what would have to be considered the most significant matchup in 125-pound history. Pettis would be the odd man out if the promotion moves forward with those plans, but surprisingly, he said he’s OK with that.

“I’m 24 years old, I’m getting better and better, and if they want me to fight again before a title, I’m good with that,” Pettis told MMAjunkie at Thursday’s UFC 218 media day. “I’m building my resume, getting some money on top of it and getting some experience. T.J. vs. DJ, that’s an interesting fight, even for me. I’m a fan of the sport. It’s entertainment and it makes sense. It’s part of the business. I have no hatred towards that. I understand it. If they want me to build my resume and get to that DJ shot, I will. If I have a great performance against Henry Cejudo, maybe I can get there.”

Although Pettis’ title aspirations are strong, he knows his youth puts him at an advantage. Whether it’s one fight or 10 fights, “The Phenom” promises to flourish with every performance the same way he has to this point in his career.

He has a gargantuan task ahead at UFC 218, though, because outside “Mighty Mouse,” Cejudo is as good as it gets in the flyweight division. Cejudo said his power will be the difference in the fight, and brings that confidence following a knockout of Wilson Reis at UFC 215 in September. Pettis, however, said he’s not buying it.

“Most of his wins are by decision, besides his last fight,” Pettis said. “Wilson was there to get hit by that power. I’ve got five inches of reach on this guy. I’ve got movement. He doesn’t have that power there. He’s going to fall onto my sword and he’s going to fall into my striking.”

If all goes according to plan, Pettis said he hopes to be the one scoring the knockout win. He believes his style meshes well with Cejudo and insists he’s going to send a message to “The Messenger” on fight night.

“I want to get a knockout on my belt,” Pettis said. “First win by not decision. Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to go out there and push the pace. I believe my style is different now. I’m not longer a little boy. I’m a grown man. My style is going to make him come in and think he has the power. I’m going to hit him with something hard and he’s not going to expect it. If not, I’m going to pick that face away all night.”

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