Sergio Pettis takes on Alfred Khashakyan at Bellator 238. Both men will be making their promotional debuts in this bantamweight bout. The fight has additional high stakes beyond both men wanting to win their first fights in the organization. With former dual promotion champion Kyoji Horiguchi having to vacate his bantamweight belt, the winner of this fight could find themselves vying for the title later in 2020.

Bellator 238

Sergio Pettis certainly has a level of familiarity with his opponent. It just seems like Pettis is more focused on his own efforts than whatever Khashakyan is going to do. “A lot of his eleven wins are by finish, by knockout. I think he’s going to go out there and push the pace,” Pettis said. “I’m going to go out there and do what I do best. I’m going to go out there and have some fun. Show the world I’m better than his man.”

The transition from UFC to Bellator has been a seamless one. A move that Petis perceives as being well timed and beneficial long term. Pettis remarked, “They gave me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Being 26 years old, I’m feeling like I’m at a young enough age where I can make a business move. Make a move to spreading out a little bit bigger outside the UFC.”

Pettis has mainly plied his trade at flyweight but does have some bantamweight experience. He’ll make the move to the 135lb division this weekend but that’s not to say his flyweight days are done forever.

“I just feel like my body’s growing, man,” Pettis stated. “The age of 26, I feel like I’m starting to become a man. The weight cuts to ’25 they’re not hard. I just feel like it’s a good move for me. Why put myself through that extra weight cut?”

It “doesn’t matter what weight class,” he added. “I’m going to go out there and showcase my skills.”

Sergio Pettis’ promotional debut

Pettis has been working a lot with Raufeon Stots. There’s no conflict and just camaraderie even though they’re in the same division. The two Roufusport 135lb-ers just have a mutually beneficial dynamic. Pettis explained that “We’re very cool. Very close….He’s a great guy, great dad, great teammate and I wish him the very best.”

With Horiguchi vacating the Bellator bantamweight belt due to injury, it’s natural for one to speculate that the winner of this fight could vie for the vacant title in their next outing. Pettis said, “Nothing really has been communicated at all about that. Honestly, I’m not even focused on that. I’m very focused on who’s in front of me. Whatever happens after that will happen.”

“As long as I get my hand raised next Saturday,” he noted. “That’s my goal.”

When he’s not galvanizing his martial arts skillset, Sergio Pettis likes to unwind and relax. On that topic, Pettis stated, “I love fishing…It’s all about patience. Sometimes in the fight game you’ve got to be patient…Just got into ice fishing too.” In summation, Pettis remarked “I’m just blessed…Thank you Bellator and all my sponsors.”

Anthony Pettis makes his debut in the Bellator cage this Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Bellator 238 in Los Angeles. The fight airs live on DAZN.