Anthony Pettis, who recently scored a victory over Roy Jones Jr. in boxing, is set to face Benson Henderson at Karate Combat 43, and is considering offers from a variety of combat sports, including bare-knuckle boxing, with his future decisions based on both profitability and legacy.
Anthony Pettis, a versatile athlete, made a name for himself by defeating Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match in April. Now, he’s gearing up for a face-off with Benson Henderson at Karate Combat 43 in Las Vegas on Dec. 15. Pettis isn’t one to limit himself. From MMA to boxing to Karate Combat to bare-knuckle boxing, “Showtime” is always on the lookout for lucrative opportunities in 2024.
In a chat with MMA Fighting, Pettis revealed that his Karate Combat earnings are quite similar to what he’s made in previous MMA and boxing matches. He’s considering signing with BKFC, especially after being challenged by UFC fighter Mike Perry. However, it all depends on the offer on the table.
“I’m a prizefighter,” Pettis stated, adding a touch of the barbaric to his description. He believes bare-knuckle boxing is a whole new level of fighting. He’s not just in it for the money, though. For him, it’s about building a legacy. He’s proud of the fights he’s taken, even in boxing. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to fight Roy Jones Jr., a legend in the boxing world.
Mike Perry, he says, is a brutal monster in bare-knuckle boxing. That’s a different level of barbaric fighting. Pettis hasn’t yet had negotiations with the BKFC, nor does he know how the structure works there. For now, he’s focused on Karate Combat. Once he’s done with that, he’ll see what pops up next.
Pettis is still under contract with the PFL, but he won’t be part of the regular season in 2024. The tournament format was too taxing on his body. He feels tournaments are more suited to younger fighters trying to make their way in. At this stage in his career, he prefers to fight when he’s healthy and ready.
The former UFC and WEC lightweight champion has his eyes on Cédric Doumbé for his next opponent when he returns to the PFL cage. He wonders, though, if the organization wants to build Doumbé up before pitting him against an MMA veteran. Pettis is a fan of Doumbé’s work in the kickboxing world and thinks a fight with him would be exciting.
As for boxing, Pettis plans to return to the ring in February against an opponent he’s not yet ready to reveal. He plans to stay active in the sport. “I will compete three times next year in boxing,” Pettis revealed. He recently sparred with Erislandy Lara, one of the world’s best southpaws, and held his own.
Pettis wants to build his career in boxing, but he’s not ruling out fights with influencers or fellow MMA veterans if the offer is right. He’s open to fighting a current boxer to prove his boxing skills. But, as he says, he’s a prizefighter, so he’ll consider any opportunity that comes his way.
Even though he’s only 1-0 as a pro, Pettis is open to boxing with influencers. He was already preparing for a boxing match when Karate Combat came up. It made sense, especially since it’s in his new hometown, Las Vegas, Nevada, and he’s fighting someone he has history with.
Fellow MMA legend Jose Aldo, who was once scheduled to fight Pettis in a UFC championship bout in Rio de Janeiro, has also taken up boxing after retiring from MMA. Pettis approves of the idea. “Jose Aldo is a legend,” Pettis said. He’d love to fight Aldo, and believes the MMA veteran deserves a big payday.