UFC Lightweight Anthony Pettis Hit with Staph Infection, Hopes for Quick Hospital Release

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Anthony Pettis was taken to the hospital on Monday for precautionary reasons after discovering a staph infection in his elbow, but the fighter hopes he will be released today.

Sherdog.com confirmed the information with Pettis’ manager, Mike Roberts, on Tuesday. AXS TV’s “Inside MMA” first reported the development.

Pettis, 25, has won six of his last seven fights. The Roufusport product outpointed current UFC lightweight king Benson Henderson to become the final World Extreme Cagefighting 155-pound champion prior to the UFC absorbing the organization last year.

Pettis made his UFC debut against Clay Guida in June 2011, dropping a unanimous decision to “The Carpenter” at “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 13 finale. Pettis rebounded from the defeat to take a split nod from Jeremy Stephens just over one year ago and then extended his winning streak to two fights with a first-round knockout of Joe Lauzon this past February at UFC 144. Pettis has stopped 12 of his 15 victims during his five years as a professional, recording six victories by way of knockout.