“I was more worried about what to do”: Pettis admits to doubts before claiming main event win

Sergio Pettis claimed his first title gold in Bellator as he defeated Juan Archuleta at the Bellator 258 main event. 

At a post-fight news conference, “the Phenom” was in a visibly joyous mood.

“I’ve worked hard for this moment, I was training for a fight in February. It got pushed back until May, so it just gave me that much more time to prepare and believe in myself. I showed that tonight. It just came together.”

When asked about his strategy, Pettis said that his main aim was to not let his opponent take over the pace.

“I just stuck to what I know – the basics,” Pettis said. “I stayed true to myself. I didn’t allow his movements to scare my movements. I was more worried about what I was going to do instead of what he was going to do.

“I was myself tonight. I was trying to flow like water and I feel like I did.”

The 27-year-old fighter won this title just in his third fight in the promotion after he was signed in the late 2019. Prior to his transfer to Bellator, Pettis held a top-rank in the flyweight division at UFC with six out of nine wins.

“I feel like I was on my way to becoming a champ in the UFC, as well,” Pettis said.

“I just didn’t have the time or the star power that they wanted me to have. I’m a pretty normal dude out here, honest to God. I love to train and fight. I’ve got two dogs and a lady. I don’t need too much outside that.

“I’m not really big into fashion or shining the way that they want me to shine or promoting myself on social media. I’m really the opposite of that, to be honest.

“It’s awesome that Bellator allows me to be myself and puts no pressure on me. I’m able to have these great performances and truly believe in myself.”

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