Boxer Clay Collard Vows to Bring War to Former UFC Champ Anthony Pettis in PFL Debut

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Clay Collard asked to clash with “Showtime” and his wish was granted.

In just a couple of months, the Professional Fighters League will officially debut its 2021 Season. The first event will feature the promotional debut of Ultimate Fighting Championship alum Collard (18-8 1NC), who returns to mixed martial arts after a successful foray into the boxing world. “Cassius” was vocal about facing former UFC 155-pound titleholder Anthony Pettis in his latest interview, and the promotion immediately capitalized on the potential lightweight barnburner. On the card that will go down on April 23, Collard will collide with Pettis in the Regular Season's first event.

While talking with Sherdog, Collard confessed to being pretty excited about the match-up with “Showtime.”

“I wanted him or the champ first, and they gave me him,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m ready to fight; to show up and make a statement right out of the gate.”

“Cassius” then explained that he is ready for anything coming from the former UFC champion.

“He’s definitely going to control the distance, throw kicks,” he added. “I think we may see a little bit of wrestling out of him. I plan on seeing Anthony Pettis, you know, Showtime. He’s going to bring it, I’m going to bring it, and we are going to fight.”

When asked about his pick on how the fight will end, Collard didn’t go into details. However, he wanted to make sure that he is going to bring the war to Pettis.

“Preferably, we catch him early,” he stated. “Yeah, that’s preferable, but this fight can go anywhere. It can be a three-round war. He’s very talented, and he’s tough, and he’s been to the top of the game, and so have I. This fight can go anywhere. I plan on going there and trying to do it early.”

The upcoming PFL shows will all be available to watch on either ESPN2 or ESPN+ in the U.S. and will be on various other networks internationally.