Renowned striking coach Duke Roufus recently spoke with the US’s Sportsradio 1250 WSSP to discuss UFC 163, where RoufusSport student Anthony Pettis (16-2) drops from top lightweight contender to featherweight title challenger when he faces Brazil’s Jose Aldo (22-1) for the 145lb crown.
The former heavyweight world kickboxing champion stated: “Two [of the best] strikers versus each other in the UFC to this point, this is probably going to be the best striking fight ever.”
Roufus continued, “He’s [Pettis] been down in Rio training with our Jiu-Jitsu coach, really pushing it and I really think it’s going to be a crazy fight,”
“Could [Jose] Aldo beat Anthony? Yes, but nothing great in sports has been accomplished without taking risks,”
“As Milwaukeeans, Wisconsinites we can really be proud we have a bona fide guy,” said Roufus. “He [Anthony Pettis] could be the Mayweather of our sport right now.”
“I’ve never had a fighter fight for a UFC [title],” he explained. “The only thing left on my resume I need to accomplish.”
“You got to beat the best to be the best.”
When in touching distance of a lightweight title opportunity, Pettis opted to drop from the 155lb division and instead challenge for the featherweight championship. The UFC gave Pettis the green light and “Showtime” is set to face reigning 145lb champion and pound-for-pound great Jose Aldo on August 3 at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena.
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