On his own (show)time: Sergio Pettis sets pace for fellow late bloomers at Bellator 301

CHICAGO – There aren’t many people in the world who can speak authoritatively on what it’s like to have a sibling on a Wheatie’s box, but Sergio Pettis is one of them.

For athletes the world over, being pictured on a Wheaties box has been one of the pinnacles of sports for nearly 90 years. So far, the only MMA fighter to be on the cereal brand’s packaging is Anthony Pettis, Sergio’s older brother. He was the UFC’s lightweight champion at the time.

Sergio said trying to live up to the expectations created by his brother helped shape who he became – which is Bellator’s bantamweight champion.

“I just want to be an example for everyone who’s a late bloomer,” Pettis told MMA Junkie and other media members at the pre-fight media day for Bellator 301. “I feel like I’m a late bloomer. It took me time to really develop my game, my skill and my confidence. Growing up, I was not a confident individual and I had a lot of anxiety. I was also under my brother’s shadow, but in those dark times I was able to learn who I am.”

Pettis (23-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) talked about that, as well as his bantamweight title unification fight against interim champ Patchy Mix (18-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) and more at the pre-fight media day for Bellator 301.

Check out Pettis’ full interview in the video above ahead of the event, which takes place Friday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 301.