UFC lightweight Anthony Pettis hospitalized with Staph infection

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight contender Anthony Pettis just can't seem to stay out of the hospital.

"Showtime," who recently went under the knife to repair a bum shoulder, was re-admitted in Milwaukee on Monday after Staph infection was discovered in his elbow, according to the gang at Inside MMA (via MMA Weekly). The good news is, the former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) Champion is not expected to face any serious side effects.

Like the ones that nearly killed Muhammed Lawal.

Pettis, who was last seen disposing of Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 in Japan, is expected to (eventually) fight Donald Cerrone, possibly in January, in a bout that is widely expected to be a number one contender eliminator match to determine who will get the next 155-pound title shot.

But against who?

Current champion Ben Henderson will look to defend his title against Nate Diaz in the headlining fight of UFC on Fox 5, which will take place in Seattle, Washington on Dec. 8, 2012. Should "Bendo" emerge victorious, it would set up an interesting rematch versus either Pettis or Cerrone.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.