Benson Henderson took and defended the 155-pound title against Frankie Edgar and also recently defeated Nate Diaz. Pettis has been recovering from his shoulder injury, but still remains one of the top ranked fighters in the lightweight division. I’ve already beat the guy [Henderson] who’s the best now… It’s time to get back at it.”

Clearly a lot has happened in the almost full year since Pettis has appeared with the UFC, but his next cage match against Donald Cerrone promises to be as exciting as they come.

Having won 6 of his own 7 fights since transitioning, a dangerous Cerrone is waiting for Pettis. Beginning in August, Cerrone took to the media and has used both strong performances and a well strategized verbal assault to force the fight with Pettis.

Pettis says, “The beefs 100-percent real… he had to lie about me ducking him, wanting to fight other people, and not wanting to fight him. I was calling out the guy (Diaz) who whooped him… but that fight didn’t happen. Nate got the title shot.”

Pettis continued, “He didn’t need to have to do that. I mean, call me out and let’s do it, that’s all you had to do. I’m very excited to have that fight and show him what’s up.”

Cerrone and Pettis enter the matchup as potential number-one contenders, creating an exciting atmosphere. The two have engaged in a war of words, leading up to the fight, which has added more of a personal grudge note to an already phenomenal pairing.

Fans of both fighters know that both Pettis and Cerrone are near the prime of their careers and to expect the unexpected on January 26th.

Pettis will enter the fight with revenge firmly on his mind, and the prospect of a title shot lingering overhead as well.

“There’s no way I’m going to lose that fight. I’m going to do everything in my God’s power that I can to win this fight. There’s no way I’m going to quit. He’s not going to knock me out, I’m not going to tap, I’m going to implement my game to the fullest and I just can’t wait to put him on the ground.” –Anthony “Showtime” Pettis in regard to his fight on January 26th against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone