Anthony Pettis says less sparring will benefit him in PFL’s season format: ‘We can’t risk injuries’
As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, Anthony Pettis has found a successful recipe for his training.
Pettis (24-10), who will be taking part in PFL’s upcoming 2021 lightweight season, finds himself in a unique position in his career. For the first time, “Showtime” will have his schedule mapped out and already knows which opponents are on his radar.
Through the strenuous nature of the tournament format, Pettis sees perks in his recent effort of reducing sparring, which he expects to pay dividends at this point in his career.
“I’ve been pulling back from sparring lately,” Pettis told MMA Junkie Radio. “My last couple of camps my sparring was very strategic and my opponents were very strategic. I go in there, and I play, and I do my drills, and I work with the lesser guys. I feel like there I get more work in that’s safe, then I do my hard rounds when I need to. So I think with this tournament format we can’t risk injuries, so we’ll definitely be doing a lot of pad work.”
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Anthony Pettis explains signing with PFL, relishes 'target on my back' going into season
Pettis will face Clay Collard in the main event of PFL 2021, Week 1, which takes place Friday, April 23 at a venue to be confirmed. The former WEC and UFC lightweight champion will look to add another belt to his collection, something he didn’t necessarily think would be an option for him down the line.
“Nah, not really, but now that you say that, that’s awesome!” Pettis said. “To be able to be champion, and I have the opportunity to do it in one year where I don’t have to work my way up the ladder. I just gotta win these fights, so it’s pretty dope, actually.
“I’ve accomplished a lot in my career. Now it’s the next chapter, the next version of myself and this tournament format is already weird to think about. I’m already thinking about who’s next, but you gotta concentrate on who’s in front of you so it’s gonna be fun this year.”
