In an attempt to create history in the world of mixed martial arts, Patricio Pitbull faced off against Sergio Pettis in Bellator 297. The goal was for Pitbull to become the first man to win world titles in three weight classes for a major MMA promotion. However, Pettis had different plans and successfully defended his bantamweight title through a dominant performance, avoiding being merely a footnote in the record books.
Pettis showcased his skills from the beginning, displaying speed, confidence, and accuracy in his strikes. He targeted Pitbull’s entire body, delivering powerful leg kicks, body punches and kicks, as well as striking Pitbull’s head from different angles. Pitbull, a reigning featherweight champion and former lightweight champion, struggled to find his rhythm and failed to unleash his hands.
Pitbull attempted to switch the momentum by attempting takedowns and turning the fight into a grappling contest. However, Pettis effectively defended against the takedowns, only finding himself on the mat once in the entire fight, with just 30 seconds remaining in Round 3.
After an intense five rounds, the judges unanimously declared Pettis as the winner, with two scorecards reading 50-45 and one 49-46. Pettis successfully defended his title and asserted himself as Bellator’s rising star.
“Bellator, I will take on all your top fighters,” Pettis stated in his post-fight interview. “It’s about time I earn some respect… I am the next big thing, without a doubt.”
Following the interview, Pettis had a face-off with Patchy Mix, who will be his next challenger. Mix earned the interim bantamweight title after winning the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix earlier this year. With Pettis’ remarkable performance against one of Bellator’s greatest fighters of all time, fans have every reason to be excited about Pettis vs. Mix.
