Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis are problem-solvers.
With the UFC featherweight picture somewhat clouded given the fact that its champion is fighting for lightweight gold and the interim champ insisted that he was intending to retire before rowing back on that claim, it would be easy for the top contenders to get frustrated.
Holloway hasn’t lost since 2013, when he came out second best in a decision defeat to the man atop his division, Conor McGregor.
In that time, he’s made a strong case that he’s worthy of a title shot by roving on a tear of nine straight wins.
The Hawaiian brawler could well have waited for McGregor and Aldo to meet for the second time. He’d likely have received a shot at the winner but he is not paid to wait. He’s paid to fight.
Meanwhile Pettis looked reinvigorated at 145lbs, claiming his featherweight debut in stunning style against the dangerous grappler Charles Oliveira.
The former lightweight champion could have continued to get a feel for his new home by taking on a less dangerous opponent but, like Holloway, Pettis is a fighter first and foremost.
So both men went ahead and put pen to paper, agreeing to meet at UFC 206 in December.
BREAKING: @ShowtimePettis vs @BlessedMMA, @MitchGagnonUFC vs Matthew Lopez added to #UFC206 @AirCanadaCentre ➡️ https://t.co/AGQ4GseBWa pic.twitter.com/IA6WfuyykD
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) October 26, 2016
For a card in dire need of another big fight, this is just what the doctor ordered and a very early contender for fight of the night given the stylistic match-up.
With Georges St-Pierre adamant that he will not be competing on the Toronto card, it’s very possible that Hollway vs. Pettis will act as co-main event for the show that is headlined by a UFC light heavyweight title rematch between Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson.
While we’re hoping that another high-profile bout or two is confirmed for UFC 206, this bunch certainly seemed content with the most recent piece of matchmaking.
Holloway/Pettis is gonna be sick as fuck btw.
— 9 (@ClassicAbou) October 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/JamieHancock4/status/791387738054467584
Pettis v. Holloway is a great fucking fight. #MMA #UFC #UFC206
— Paul Piro (@Pau1Piro) October 26, 2016
@UFC Holloway vs Pettis is what dreams are made of!!
— devon sawa (@DevonESawa) October 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/dennis_bucky/status/791386964641677312
Pettis vs Holloway is a beast fight 😱
— Lee Tague (@LeeTague) October 26, 2016
Holloway vs Pettis is a sick fight. #UFC206
— Greg (@BushyOne) October 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/closr_/status/791385847631273984
https://twitter.com/JamieWalsh17/status/791386168759816192
https://twitter.com/OwenCurryMufc/status/791385687413186562
Anthony Pettis vs Max Holloway added to #UFC206. Has potential to be an outstanding fight and steal the show
— Josh Conwell (@Conwell_J24) October 26, 2016
Holloway vs Pettis announced for 206. Finally a fight to get excited about.
— WIN- GALAXY S7 NOW! (@giveawayzuma) October 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/djvietmuscleboi/status/791384701537746944
Colm Parkinson is joined by Paul Rouse for a heated debate about Sky Sports’ five-year GAA deal and an exclusive chat with AFL star Zach Tuohy on the new GAA Hour.
