Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis will have to wait for his attempt to become just the fourth fighter to have held titles in two different weight classes in the UFC, as he missed weight for his 145-pound interim title bout with Max Holloway at the (Saturday December 10, 2016) UFC 206 pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Pettis hit the scale at 148 pounds, three over the 145-pound weight limit needed to meet to challenge for the title. Pettis said that prior to hitting the scale his body ‘gave out’ on him during the cut:
"It was a team call," Pettis said. "My body just wouldn't let go of that extra weight. It's just one of those things. We did everything right beforehand, everything was on point. My body just gave out. I had nothing left to give.
"In the end, we decided that my career and health are more important than those two extra pounds."
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Pettis came off of a successful featherweight debut against Charles Oliveira a few months back, as he finished the fight via guillotine choke. The spectacular performance would land him in a super fight against a surging Holloway, who has yet to lose inside the Octagon for his past nine fights.
Also read: UFC News: Anthony Pettis accuses Max Holloway of aping his style
Holloway currently has the longest win streak in the featherweight division and looks intent on not having it snapped any time soon.
While Pettis is out of the running for the interim belt, Holloway will get the opportunity to become the interim champion if he is victorious come fight night. Who do you think will win the massive featherweight throw down?
For latest MMA news, spoilers and rumours visit our Sportskeeda MMA section.