Sergio Pettis showcased his exceptional striking prowess once again, as he delivered a stunning performance at PFL Dubai that left fans in awe. Following his thrilling knockout victory over Kyoji Horiguchi in 2021, where he executed a spinning backfist, Pettis returned to the octagon with a similar flair. This time, he unleashed a perfectly timed spinning back elbow against Magomed Magomedov, resulting in a dramatic knockout that concluded the fight at 4:31 of the second round.
Magomedov had been firmly in control for most of the match, employing his grappling skills effectively to take Pettis down multiple times. His relentless pressure made it seem as though a victory was within reach. However, Pettis’s resilience shone through as he remained confident throughout the bout.
Reflecting on his comeback, Pettis stated, “I’ve always got faith in myself. He was talking to me the whole fight, overconfidence and I think that bit him in the butt.” This resilience ultimately paid off when the fight took a swift turn. As Magomedov closed in for another takedown, Pettis seized the moment to execute his signature move that not only knocked Magomedov to the mat but also left the referee rushing in to stop the fight.
Pettis’s ability to finish strong despite being under pressure is a testament to his skill and tenacity, making him a formidable competitor in the welterweight division. This victory highlights Pettis’s remarkable capability to stay composed and explosive, ensuring that fans stay excited for what he will bring to his future matchups.