For the first time in his pro career, Sergio Pettis has become the sport of MMA's Pettis brother of note. Pettis (21-5), the younger brother of former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, scored the biggest win of his career on Friday by outpointing Juan Arcuhleta (25-3) to capture the Bellator MMA bantamweight title in the main event of Bellator 258.
All three judges inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, scored the fight for Pettis by scores of 50-45 and 49-46 (twice). CBS Sports also had it 49-46 for Pettis.
"It feels great," Pettis said. [Anthony] has been telling me I'm one of the best of the world ever since I started this so to finally win my own belt feels like a dream come true."
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The 27-year-old Pettis, who owns big name victories in the UFC's flyweight division over the last decade before signing with Bellator in 2019, finished his evolution to becoming a complete fighter by largely controlling the pace and terms of this fast-paced yet technical bout.
Not only was Pettis' takedown defense a huge part of his success against the 33-year-old Archuleta, who was making the first defense of the vacant title he won against Patchy Mix last year, he landed the cleaner counter shots throughout.
The performance was as mature and disciplined as we have seen from Pettis, who turned pro at just 18 in the shadow of his older brother yet committed to improving his craft despite a handful of defeats.
"I knew I was just getting the better of the exchanges," Pettis said. "He hit me with good shots but I could tell that my shots were landing cleaner. I was just flowing and it's my night. My takedown defense was on point."
Although Pettis said after the fight he would be willing to make his first title defense against teammate Raufeon Stots, who defeated Josh Hill by decision on Friday's preliminary card, he preferred an opportunity to fight Rizin bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi, who won the Bellator title from Darrion Caldwell in 2019 before vacating it.
"I would also like to call out Horiguchi. I would love to represent Bellator versus Rizin and it would give me a great opportunity to get my second belt, as well," Pettis said.
CBS Sports was with you throughout the evening for the latest updates, highlights and results from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with our live blog below. Stay tuned for updates all night long.
Bellator 258 card, results
- Sergio Pettis (c) def. Juan Archuleta via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
- Anthony Johnson def. Jose Augusto via second-round knockout (punches)
- Peter Queally def. Patricky Pitbull via second-round TKO (doctor stoppage)
- Michael Page def. Derek Anderson via first-round TKO (doctor stoppage)
- Raufeon Stots def. Josh Hill via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Lorenz Larkin def. Rafael Carvalho via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Patchy Mix def. Albert Morales via third-round submission (arm triangle choke)
- Johnny Eblen def. Daniel Madrid via first-round knockout (punches)
- Johnny Campbell def. Henry Corrales via second-round submission (rear naked choke)
- Johnny Soto def. Weber Almeida via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Erik Perez def. Blaine Shutt via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
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May 08, 2021 at 10:51AM
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Bellator 258 results, highlights: Sergio Pettis upsets Juan Archuleta to claim bantamweight title - CBSSports.com
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