Two-time PFL champion Natan Schulte hoping for finals showdown against Anthony Pettis

As Natan Schulte gears up for another PFL season, he already has his eyes on one of the sport’s big names.

Two-time PFL lightweight champion Schulte (20-3), will be entering the 2021 season against some new but certainly familiar faces, which include a few UFC veterans.

Most notable among them is former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (24-10), whom Schulte hopes to cross paths with, preferably in the $1 million championship fight at the end of the playoffs.

“I want to fight against Anthony Pettis because he’s ex-UFC,” Schulte told MMA Junkie Radio. “He’s a good fighter, a good name, but I can fight with other guys. Maybe a rematch with Loik (Radzhabov) or other guys. (But) I prefer to fight in the finals against Anthony Pettis.”

Schulte’s first test of the 2021 season sees him take on Marcin Held in the co-main event of PFL 2021, Week 1, which takes place April 23. Pettis will take on Clay Collard in the main event.

Although Schulte has taken on some tough-level competition during his eight-fight winning streak, he faces a unique challenge in Held. The Polish fighter is a leg-lock specialist with finishes by heel hook, kneebar and even a toe hold.

Having rolled with him on the mats before, Schulte is familiar with Held and is wary of the threats he brings to the table.

“I know Marcin Held is a tough opponent,” Schulte said. “I trained with him in American Top Team, but it was a little time. He’s a good opponent for my first fight in PFL.

“I prefer to defend the leg locks against Marcin Held, but I can put my pressure, my striking game, in this fight.”

Schulte already has won the PFL title and banked a $1 million prize twice, but the Brazilian grappling ace said his love of the game is what keeps him coming back for more.

“My motivation is fighting because I love to fight,” he said. “I fight because I wake up every day (and) I love training. I love training in jiu-jitsu, wrestling, muay Thai. My motivation is never for money – my motivation is because I love to fight.”