Anthony Pettis’ initial reaction to Mike Perry’s callout for a BKFC clash is to accept, but he admits an additional layer of consideration is needed.
Pettis, a former UFC and WEC lightweight champion, has expanded his combat sports horizons since completing his UFC contract in December 2020. He’s competed five times under the PFL banner, defeated Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match, and is currently scheduled to face Benson Henderson under the Karate Combat banner on Dec. 15 in Las Vegas.
Could a bareknuckle boxing match be next for Pettis? “Showtime” admits he was intrigued when Perry dropped his name after defeaing Eddie Alvarez to win the “King of Violence” title last Saturda at BKFC 56. His natural instinct is to agree to the challenge, but given the brutal nature of BKFC, Pettis said it’s something he would have to discuss more thoroughly with his team if and when an official offer comes through.
“That’s definitely different from something I’ve ever done before, that bareknuckle sh*t,” Pettis told MMA Junkie Radio. “That’s like real fighting. You’re going to get cut. I know Eddie had like two broken orbitals after that fight. I would have to talk to my wife about that one. I’ve done everything. I’ve boxed. I’ve done mixed martial arts my whole life. Now I’m doing Karate Combat. I wouldn’t say no to it, but it’s definitely something I have to talk to my coaches about, talk to my team about and make sure it makes sense about everything.”
Whether a Pettis vs. Perry fight materializes remains to be seen, but regardless, 2024 is going to be a busy year, Pettis said.
He is obligated to another fight under the PFL banner, has multiple boxing matchups potentially in the works, and is open to listening to any other opportunities that come his way.
“(Next) year I will definitely have some big boxing fights,” Pettis said. “I have a pay-per-view fight with (PFL). I think that will be in April or May. I’m waiting for them to announce that. But my MMA fight will be one more with PFL. But I’m allowed to do Karate Combat. I’m allowed to box. I’m able to make money everywhere.”
Anthony Pettis responds to Mike Perry’s BKFC callout: ‘I wouldn’t say no to it’