UFC Fight Night 114: Sergio Pettis, 'Fighter To Watch' tonight in Mexico City

The time has come once again for Sergio Pettis to attempt his long-awaited breakout under the brights lights of the Octagon. After a few missed opportunities in the past, Pettis will get his chance to headline an event later tonight (Sat., Aug. 5, 2017) at UFC Fight Night 114 live on FOX Sports 1 from inside Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico, when he takes on surging flyweight contender Brandon Moreno.

This is not only a huge fight for “The Phenom” as he looks to burst out from behind the shadow of brother Anthony Pettis, but it’s an incredible matchup in a 125-pound division dying for fresh title challengers. Whoever is able to escape UFC Fight Night 114 later this evening will more than likely lock down the chance to fight UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, assuming “Mighty Mouse” is able to get past Ray Borg at UFC 215 on Sept. 9.

Pettis, 23, was one of the most highly-touted prospects in mixed martial arts (MMA) when he made his UFC debut back in 2013. Anthony had given the Pettis family its name in the sport and Sergio was going to take full advantage of that popularity. Unfortunately, “The Phenom” wasn’t able to push his way towards contention with a submission loss to Alex Caceres at bantamweight in 2014 and a knockout loss to Ryan Benoit at flyweight in 2015.

Now that Pettis has won three in a row he’s hoping to become the “new face” of the vastly depleted flyweight division. With youth on his side and an apparent evolution of skill fueling his recent success, Pettis could jump into title contention for the first time with a win over Moreno in Mexico City. If he’s unable to get past “Assassin Baby,” Pettis will be forced back down the flyweight ladder and have his overall potential questioned yet again heading into 2018.

It’s a hell of a lot to think about, especially considering Pettis is competing in his first UFC main event. But if the Duke Roufus protege wants to take the next step towards fighting the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet he’s going to have to come out victorious in moments like these.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 114 fight card, starting with the Fight Pass "Prelims" matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, and then the remaining undercard balance on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.