Sergio Pettis wasn’t in a position to replicate what he did to Kyoji Horiguchi again in 2021.
The 2 fought this Sunday in Tokyo, Japan in the primary occasion of Rizin 47. Pettis (23-7), who had defeated Horiguchi (33-5-1) by knockout of their first outing beneath the Bellator banner, misplaced a unanimous choice. The previous Bellator champion didn’t count on to get beat within the vogue that he did, and was stunned with how issues went down.
“He went on the market and obtained comfy,” Pettis stated when requested about his choice loss on the Rizin 47 post-fight press convention. “He put me on my again and managed me within the corners, and did an excellent job within the wrestling division.
“Like I stated, that is one thing I’ve at all times lacked all through my profession, and it’s an eye-opener. I’ve been prepping for all these wrestlers my complete profession, however there are some guys that also sneak via, and Horiguchi ended up being a type of guys. It’s what it’s, and I’ll get higher at that.”
Pettis is at the moment signed with PFL and has but to debut beneath the brand new regime, because the promotion purchased Bellator again in November. He says a return to the PFL-Bellator cage is subsequent for him.
“I’ve loads of stuff to get again to at dwelling with Bellator and the PFL,” Pettis stated. “I’ve loads of alternatives there for me, however I’m down for wherever the journey takes me. I began my profession within the UFC for six years and after I was youthful I believed that’s the place I used to be going to be my complete life, however I went over to Bellator and obtained a chance to come back over right here for Rizin. I’m down for every time the martial arts highway takes me. I’m a martial artist on the finish of the day.”
Rizin 47 marked the primary time that Pettis fights in Japan. Total, he had a constructive expertise, and would like to do it once more, however this time get his hand raised.
“I felt there was some love from the followers, and on the whole the Japanese followers are wonderful,” Pettis stated. “They’re very supportive and really good. It was wonderful to see how each seat was crammed from starting to finish. Again within the states, it’s the alternative. They wait until the primary occasion for the gang to be crammed. The manufacturing and all the things behind the scenes was wonderful, so thanks. What a chance. I’ll always remember this second, although I misplaced.”
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