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In MMA there are many forms of talent, and to varying degrees. For every Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, we have a Jeremy Stephens, no fighter is as equally talented or gifted in the same way as the rest, but through training and learning, they mold their techniques to accentuate their strengths. That is, of course, if they have done their due diligence and built a style that truly utilizes their gifts.

For Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, talent came in the form of incredible speed and durability. However, his game has not shaped out to fully emphasize these gifts, and at the current age of 32, there isn't much of that talent left to spend. I'm going to discuss what made Anthony Pettis so special at his peak, and what technical failures and stylistic choices lead him to have a mediocre career relative to his potential.

WEC Prospect

In 2009, Pettis made his WEC debut against Mike Campbell, it was a quick affair with Campbell rushing in for a takedown and subsequently spending his time attempting to pass Pettis' guard and avoiding submission attempts.