Sergio Pettis on mentoring and combat creativity prior to Bellator 272
Sergio Pettis tests skills with Kyoji Horiguchi on December 3rd in a high-stakes bantamweight bout. Bellator 272 emanates from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The event broadcasts on Showtime and Pettis versus Horiguchi is the main event bout for the Bellator MMA bantamweight world championship.
Sergio Pettis aims to make the inaugural defense of his 135-pound belt. While extending his current winning streak to five as he looks to remain unbeaten under the Bellator MMA banner.
Standing in the way of that is the man who never lost Bellator’s bantamweight belt in the cage, current Rizin bantamweight world champion Kyoji Horiguchi.
I spoke with Pettis at the virtual media day prior to the event. The excerpt from our chat is below.
Sergio Pettis
Angelo Pettis’ MMA debut and Sergio taking on more of a mentorship role with him
“Yeah, for sure, man. Angelo Pettis is a beast. He’s only 18 years old, had his first amateur MMA fight, walked through the guy with ease. Definitely, someone to look out for in the future. He’s a hard worker, humble individual, and I’m excited for his future. Awesome to kind of play big brother for a little bit too. Teaching him things that are important for, I think, his career and his lifestyle.”
Lifestyle changes that have bolstered Pettis’ combative creativity as of late
“Yeah, that’s definitely fair. I think just these last really two or three years, I’ve really tuned into the side of martial arts. I understood hard work and all that other stuff that it takes to be a successful fighter. But really just fallen in love with the art of the sport. It’s my 10th-year of professional fighting. Nothing really feels any different besides my love. My love has grown so much for the sport. It has taught me some beautiful things. Inside of the cage and outside of the cage. So yeah, man. It’s just been an awesome journey.”
