Sergio Pettis vs. Joji Goto announced for PFL Dubai

Sergio Pettis already has his next challenge. The former Bellator bantamweight champion will face Joji Goto at PFL Dubai on Nov. 14, adding another chapter to the partnership between the two promotions. The matchup was announced by PFL CEO John Martin during the Super RIZIN 5 broadcast on Thursday.

Sergio Pettis Looks to Bounce Back in Dubai

Pettis enters the matchup looking to rebound after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Mitchell McKee in April. Before the setback, the American had won his first two PFL appearances, defeating Magomed Magomedov and Raufeon Stots. At 33 years old, "The Phenom" holds a 25-8 record and has won two of his last five fights.

In the early stages of his career, Pettis joined the UFC and spent six years competing in the promotion. After parting ways with the organization, the American fighter signed with Bellator, making his debut in 2020. One year later, he defeated Juan Archuleta by unanimous decision to win the Bellator bantamweight title. Pettis went on to defend his belt twice before eventually losing to Patchy Mix in November 2023.

Joji Goto Makes PFL Debut

Goto, meanwhile, will make his PFL debut after competing exclusively for RIZIN in recent years. In April, the Japanese fighter faced Danny Sabatello for the promotion's bantamweight title and lost by unanimous decision. Before being defeated by the American, Goto was riding a four-fight winning streak.

In August, Goto bounced back from the setback against Sabatello by defeating Azizbek Temirov by submission. The Japanese fighter is now expected to make his third appearance this year. At 30 years old, Goto holds a 20-9 professional record and has won five of his last six fights.

PFL Dubai will be headlined by Vadim Nemkov and Sergey Bilostenniy, who will clash for the heavyweight title.