When it was announced that Anthony Pettis was forced to pull out of his headlining bout at UFC 163 against Jose Aldo, the collective MMA world shed a tear.
That pesky injury bug which has caused so much strife within the UFC ranks over the last few years struck again, and the bout was called off.
Time for the UFC to keep their word
It’s not that his replacement, Korean phenomenon Chan Sung Jung, isn’t a worthy challenger or that he is undeserving of a world title shot – far from it. But the matchup between Pettis and champion Aldo was one of the most anticipated and talked about fights of 2013. It was to be a showcase of two blitzing strikers who had buzz sawed their way through the competition with lightning quick strikes and unbelievable combinations.
Outside of an Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones super fight, this was the one everyone wanted.
Now, rather conveniently, Pettis is calling for his world title shot to come in Milwaukee, WI at UFC 164, four weeks after the originally scheduled Aldo bout. Only this time, Pettis wants his world title shot at lightweight against former foe Benson Henderson. He has called for T.J. Grant’s previously scheduled title opportunity on the card, and says he can be physically ready in time for the matchup.
It’s critical that the UFC put their foot down and assure Grant keeps his world title shot, especially after a controversial first six month of 2013, which saw multiple championships defended against challengers who were undeserving. This isn’t to say that Pettis is undeserving of his opportunity, he certainly is, but when the company makes a promise to a fighter it should be kept. If the championships, and subsequent championship opportunities, are not taken seriously by the company itself, than why would the fans care about the championships?
Boxing has become a sport of stars, where titles are meaningless and rarely defended against the proper contenders. The UFC is on the verge of becoming a similar attraction.
Is that a bad thing? Perhaps not. But if you’re going to have world championships and rankings, than make them meaningful.
Now more than ever, it’s time for the UFC to put their foot down and begin to come through on their promises. You’ve made a commitment to T.J. Grant, don’t blow it off for the prospect of a few extra dollars.
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