Penick's Take
PENICK: UFC 125 fallout - assessing the options for Anthony Pettis with Edgar-Maynard III now on deck
Jan 3, 2011 - 11:08:29 AM PENICK: UFC 125 fallout - assessing the options for Anthony Pettis with Edgar-Maynard III now on deck

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

When he defeated Ben Henderson at WEC 53 last month, 23-year-old Anthony Pettis was expecting to face off against the winner of the UFC 125 main event between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Unfortunately for Pettis, there was no winner between Edgar and Maynard, and the two will be fighting for a third time after fighting to a split draw in an epic main event on New Year's Day.

So now Pettis has to decide what his next move will be. Does he wait for his title shot, perhaps stifling some of the momentum gained in a stellar 2010? Or does he take a fight in the meantime, introducing himself to the UFC audience and earning the title shot that would have simply been handed to him? And if he chooses the latter, who should he fight? Let's examine the possibilities:

1) Pettis waits for the title shot

Pettis could sit on the sidelines and wait for Edgar and Maynard to settle the score, but the downside to that is putting himself out of action for what could be a lengthy period of time. The earliest the UFC books this rematch would likely be March's UFC 128 event in Edgar's home state of New Jersey, and provided there's no injury for the winner, expect at least three months before they are ready to defend the title against Pettis. So the best case scenario for Pettis waiting for the shot is a six to seven month layoff before getting this fight.

That layoff could hurt his momentum from an impressive 2010. The memory of his "Showtime Kick" will still be in the mind's of fans, but it could be more in the past for fans who could once again wonder why this UFC newcomer is getting a shot over guys like George Sotiropoulos or Jim Miller, who will likely add wins to their resume in the meantime.

The upside to the layoff for Pettis is some rest after a hectic schedule under the Zuffa banner. Pettis fought six times in the WEC in an 18 month span, including four times in 2010. While continuing on his pace keeps him fresh and getting right back to action helps him build on an excellent 2010, taking a seven month break wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

However, there's also the risk in this situation that Edgar or Maynard could suffer an injury in the rematch, or that the rematch takes longer to book in the first place, which pushes his layoff and his UFC debut out even further. It's for that reason it might be best to take a fight, and there are a few fights that would be great for the UFC to book.

2) Pettis vs. Kenny Florian

The two time title challenger was forced out of his headlining bout at UFC Fight for the Troops 2 this month due to injury, but if he's able to recover and return to action by April, he would make a perfect opponent for the young challenger. Despite losses to B.J. Penn and Gray Maynard over the last 16 months, Florian remains one of the perennial top contenders in the division, and is 8-2 over his last 10 fights. Considering Pettis' best win is Ben Henderson right now, a win over a fighter as experienced as Florian will leave no doubt that he can contend against the UFC Lightweight Champion.

3) Pettis vs. Jim Miller

If Florian is not able to make a return that quickly, putting Pettis onto the UFC 128 card against Miller would be another fight that could truly earn him his shot at the title. Miller is scheduled to face Kamal Shalorus on the card, but Pettis would be a more deserving opponent for the 19-2 Miller in his hometown. It could make that fight a #1 contender bout, and if Pettis can continue his run and defeat a fighter whose only losses are Edgar and Maynard, again he earns his shot at the title.

4) Pettis vs. Sean Sherk

While not as high up as the two other names mentioned, Sherk, as a former champion himself, would also be Pettis' best win if he could come into the UFC to defeat him. Sherk hasn't fought since September, so if he's ready to return this would make for another option for Pettis to keep himself active while the Lightweight Title is decided.

-Pettis taking a fight serves to keep him busy and keep him in shape while Edgar and Maynard face each other again. It allows him to fight in front of a bigger audience than saw him in the WEC, and to make an even more conclusive statement for his right to a shot at the UFC title. Considering he's only 23-years-old, he's got time to work his way back toward a title shot should he lose to a more established name at this time. He's exciting, innovative and highly talented, and that combination along with his rising star power will allow him to work up the ladder quickly, even if he suffers a setback. One of these three fights could be the best way to go, but if he chooses to wait for his title shot, hopefully it doesn't halt the momentum he gained in 2010.