'I'm better than José Aldo and I want to prove it', says Anthony Pettis

Aldo and Pettis in a promotional photo for the duel that would take place at UFC Rio 4. Photo: Disclosure UFC Brasil

Anthony Pettis, UFC lightweight champion, can't get his mind off the possible fight against José Aldo, owner of the featherweight belt. Even though he is still recovering from a knee injury, the North American insists that he wants to compete with the Brazilian to show the world that he is the best fighter in the lighter divisions.

The two already had a fight scheduled in August 2013, but Pettis had to withdraw from the fight due to injury. After Aldo's most recent title defense, against Ricardo Lamas, at UFC 169, rumors about a duel between champions gained strength again.

In an interview with the North American television channel AXS TV, Pettis says that his only objective is to show that the Brazilian is better. “I have nothing against José Aldo. I think he's a great champion, very skilled, but I think I'm better than him and I want to prove it. There's nothing personal about it. I feel like I'm the best at 70kg and every weight close to that, so I want to prove that I'm the best,” he said.

One of the biggest doubts regarding this fight would be the weight at which it would take place. Originally, the fight was scheduled to take place in the featherweight category (up to 65 kg), but recently, the possibility of Aldo moving up to lightweight (up to 70 kg) and facing the champion was raised. Pettis, however, isn't worried about that. “That’s up to the UFC [to decide]. I just won the belt and I think it's fair that I defend it. He's already defended his belt several times, so it's up to the UFC. Combined weight, 70 kg or 65 kg, I’m in,” said Pettis.

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