Anthony Pettis Blasts UFC’s Lack of Respect Towards Younger Brother Sergio

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has been a main-card staple on free as well as pay-per-view events since he entered the organization in 2011. The same cannot be said for his younger brother Sergio Pettis, who despite some impressive performances, continues to miss out on the more lucrative main card.

Despite the younger Pettis being No. 2 in the UFC’s own flyweight rankings, he has been once again relegated to the undercard for his next fight at UFC 229 against No. 5 Jussier da Silva. Appearing on a recent edition of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show, “Showtime” claimed to be frustrated by the UFC’s lack of respect for his brother.

“UFC, I don’t know what Sergio has to do to get on the main card,” the older Pettis said. “He’s No. 2 in the world fighting No. 5 or No. 6 in the world and they are fighting on the undercard. Show the kid some respect, he’s busting his ass, and I see how hard he’s working. It’s kind of offensive to see him on the undercard.”

Sergio Pettis was hopeful of landing a gig on the main card at UFC 229, since it is being headlined by one of the most highly anticipated fights in UFC history: the lightweight championship fight between the current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his challenger Irish superstar Conor McGregor.

The 25 year-old has won five out of his last six, with his only a loss a unanimous decision to the current champion, Henry Cejudo. Older brother Anthony will also feature in the co-main event at UFC 229, against the returning Tony Ferguson.