The UFC 241 highlight fight against Nate Diaz left Pettis limping out of the cage.
The fight consisted of three action-packed rounds against Diaz concluded with Pettis losing via unanimous decision. After the welterweight bout, Pettis was seen limping out of the cage because of an apparent foot injury. His team later confirmed that his foot was broken during the fight. It is still unclear exactly when but his movements during the third round were visibly restricted. Initially, the official medical suspensions announced that Pettis will potentially be sidelined for six months. After the check-up, Pettis’s coach Duke Roufus announced that there will be no need for the surgery. This now confirms that Pettis will only go through the recovery period of recovery.
The coach also clarified that Pettis had a left kick checked which caused him to stumble during round 1. It was then visible afterwards how it had significantly restricted movements. Pettis had informed the coach beforehand that he should not stop the fight under any circumstances. Despite an orbital fracture and a leg injury Pettis still fought for three rounds. Roufus elaborated “I stop the fight and now they lie to me and don’t tell me any injuries”. The coach noticed that after the stumble, Pettis was unable to land kicks and certain strikes.
The coach has now claimed that they might be looking for another fight in December if the fighter heals. Pettis has established himself as a fan-favorite and that is why fans are still looking forward to his immediate return in the cage.