:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20658845/20130831_jla_bs6_1270.0.jpg)
If you thought the instant classic between Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson was the best fight of 2013 (see it again here), then be prepared to witness an even better one at UFC on FOX 9.
That's because Josh Thomson predicted earlier this week during the UFC on FOX 9 press conference that his lightweight title fight against division kingpin Anthony Pettis -- which goes down on Dec. 14, 2013 at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California -- will be the best fight fans witness all year.
And it's all thanks to his history for putting on exciting bouts and "Showtime's" flashy fighting style.
"The Punk" breaks it down:
"Obviously, Gilbert (favorite fight in Strikeforce). Every time we fought, the fans are the ones who won. For me, that's the most important thing. People like to make a big deal about me calling out Pettis and I got a lot of criticism for it. But, there is no disrespect for it whatsoever. I picked fights or I try to get the fights that I know are going to make the best fights for the fans. People are like, ‘Oh, we don't want to see you fight Gilbert again.' I said, 'But every time you guys go buy the tickets and seem to tweet me afterwards that it was the best fight of the year.' So, I'm just doing you guys a favor, this right here is probably going to be the best fight of the year."
Indeed, the Thompson vs. Melendez trilogy -- all five round championship wars -- provided fight fans memorable moments each time out. And "The Punk," for one, plans to thrill fans once again, this time with a much bigger prize at stake and against a different foe.
That will be a tough goal to accomplish as Pettis aims to finish the fight in the very first round. Unless, of course, the two scrappy lightweights can cram in a whole bunch of excitement in five minutes or less.
Latest From Our Partners
Get the latest gear
