Anthony “Showtime” Pettis made his triumphant return tonight to the lightweight division he once ruled over. The former Lightweight Champion took on Jim Miller, and showed that he is back on his way to capturing that championship gold.
They're exchanging early!!@ShowtimePettis tagging Miller early in round 1! #UFC213 pic.twitter.com/jmgo35Up3d
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2017
Miler started out with some strong low leg kicks that almost took Anthony’s lead leg out from under him. However, once Anthony found his range, the round was all his. Pettis hit Miller easily and then moved out of range as Miller hit nothing but air. Anthony’s confidence showed as he taunted Miller, daring him to throw another kick.
In the second round, Miller caught one of Anthony’s kicks and brought the fight to the ground. Miller bled profusely, but ironically, it may have helped him escape Pettis’ triangle attempt. Jim got Anthony’s back as the latter was trying to twist out, but he slipped off.
Sweep the leg!!@JimMiller_155 gets the takedown in round 2 #UFC213 pic.twitter.com/dG946bw8XS
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2017
Now it was Pettis’ turn to be on top. He landed a punch before he passed into side control, grinding his elbows into Jim and landing short elbows. Miller turned to his knees, but Pettis got his back. Jim tried to get up, but Anthony took him down at the end of the round.
In the third round, Anthony looked light on his feet. There wasn’t much in the way of action until the end, where Anthony began putting on some of his signature Showtime moves, such as his cartwheel kick. Miller, perhaps looking to poke fun at his opponent or perhaps just trying to put on a show in the remaining minute of a match he probably knew he lost, returned in kind.
By the time the last bell rang, there was no question as to who won.
Winner by unanimous decision: Anthony “Showtime” Pettis!
