Anthony Pettis Taking His Time Getting Next Title Shot

Former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis will be returning to the division he once ruled after a failed stint at featherweight.

This time around, the former champion plans on taking his time on route to getting a title shot, instead of rushing things.

“I was rushing for my title shot," Pettis told ESPN. "I was right there at 145 pounds and still in the running at 155. I think it was rough on my body. I had a lot of injuries I needed to heal up and I wasn't healing them up. I was just going right to the next camp. I'm going to take my time at 155 pounds. I was in a rush to get back into title contention. Everybody I fought besides (Charles) Oliveira was a No. 1 contender or a former champion. I'm going to go back to the 155-pound division, work my way back to the top and see how far I can take it again.”

Pettis fought for the UFC Interim Featherweight Title at UFC 206, but was finished by strikes in a losing effort to Max Holloway.

When he finally does return to the lightweight division, the fighter does have a few opponents he would like to face.

“I was looking to get Jim Miller," he said. "He was the only guy not booked, besides (Michael) Johnson. I let my management take care of who I'm fighting, but there's Miller, Johnson, Nate Diaz. There's a bunch of guys out there I'd like to fight."

In his first run at lightweight, the former champion earned a total of five wins in the division and they all came in a row.