Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 2

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Anthony Pettis
“Showtime” Gladiators Cage Fighting (2007-08); World Extreme Cagefighting (2009-10); Ultimate Fighting Championship (2011-Current)
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CASE FOR: Pettis was the final World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight champion at 23 and is now the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion at 27. His submission of Benson Henderson at UFC 164 was shocking given how tricky “Smooth” has proven to be to submit. He has a sparkling 17-2 record and was responsible for arguably the most spectacular single moment in MMA history: his breathtaking “Showtime Kick” at WEC 53. CASE AGAINST: It is still very early, and Pettis has fought elite opposition for only a short amount of time. Things could come falling down like they did for a Ricco Rodriguez or Mark Kerr. Additionally, while Pettis is a marketable figure, he has not yet become a star attraction or difference maker for tickets or pay-per-views. VERDICT: Should he go in? Not yet, but he looks to be on that path.

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