For many, Conor McGregor holding both the featherweight and lightweight divisions hostage is getting rather annoying, especially to title contenders such as this one and this one.
Anthony Pettis, however, -- who is down to compete at either 145 or 155 pounds -- doesn’t mind it too much, as it wasn’t long ago when he was hoping to become a multi-division champion before a title fight against Jose Aldo fell through.
"I was trying to do that when I was champ. I called out Jose Aldo right after I won the belt at lightweight, it was supposed to happen, it didn't happen for reasons," said Aldo on a recent appearance on "UFC Tonight" via FOX Sports.
"I think right now, Conor he's doing his thing. He's a guy that's winning fights, he's knocking guys out, he's fighting guys like Nate Diaz but he's winning fights, what can you say."
Not long after "Notorious" was giving the next title fight at 155 pounds against current division champion Eddie Alvarez -- which is set for UFC 205 on Nov., 12, 2016 in New York -- Aldo announced his intention to retire if not granted his UFC release.
It was more of an emotional move done out of frustration, according to Pettis, who doesn’t believe "Junior" will walk away from his UFC career. That said, "Showtime" would love nothing more than to settle his unfinished business with the interim featherweight champion.
"If Jose Aldo wants it, I'm ready to go. I think he's more frustrated than actually trying to retire. I don't think he's going to retire where he's at right now. He obviously wants that (Conor) fight back, Conor's busy, I'm there," said Pettis.
"I think that's the fight that makes sense for him. I know he wants to sell pay-per-views and I think my name with his name makes a big fight."
Anthony’s first foray at 145 pounds proved successful, submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC on FOX 21 a few months back (see it here). The win stopped the bleeding of a three-fight losing streak at 155 pounds.
If Aldo does indeed put an end to his fighting career, Pettis is down to take any and all comers.
"If Jose Aldo's retired, give me Max Holloway. If Max Holloway don't want to fight, give me Nate Diaz. I don't care. I'm here to fight."