#TFGInterview: I Will Prove Something at UFC 197-- In Conversation with Anthony Pettis

The MMA world is still recovering from the shock of Conor McGregor’s ‘retirement’ announcement on Twitter. This, however, is not going to stop UFC from rolling out the UFC 197 pay-per-view this weekend. The fight card is packed with some exciting contests and one of the most notable fights in the card would happen between Anthony Pettis and Edson Barboza in the lightweight division.

This is the first fight of Pettis after his loss to Eddie Alvarez in January and he is indeed looking to come back strongly into the Lightweight title picture. Ahead of his fight with Barboza at UFC 197, The Fan Garage managed to get in touch with the former UFC Lightweight champion. He shared his thoughts on his last fight, his thoughts on Barboza and more. Below is the complete transcript of the interview. 

Following your last fight against Eddie Alvarez, you were vocal in wanting a quick turnaround and a 'real' fight. Do you think that Edson will bring that to you and what are your thoughts on Barboza as an opponent as a whole?

Yea, most definitely, I was just frustrated with my performance more than Eddie’s performance in the last fight and I know he’s better than that. And it’s just one of those things where you have to keep on building so I was eager to get back and when they brought up Edson Barboza, I believed he was the perfect opponent to showcase my skillset against and be pushed in case this guy tries to bring it, but I feel like I have the tools to beat this guy.

Just over a year ago, you were among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. How far away do you think you are from a shot at the 155-lbs title? Would you consider a drop down to the 145 lbs division in the future?

Not sure where I am at in the 155-lb title. My only goal right now is to keep building one fight at a time. You know, I had some holes in my game, exposed in the last 2 fights that I had to fix. I think it’s more of a mental thing than it is a physical thing but I’m working on it. Once my time is there, I’ll be able to hold that belt for a while. 145 has always been an option but right now, I’m focused on only one division.

Do you have a message for your fans in Asia?

Make sure you folks tune-in because this is my comeback fight and I’m coming out there to prove something and I’m going to get back on the right track.

Watch UFC 197: Jon Jones vs. Ovince St. Preux

7.30 AM, Sunday 24th April, 2016

Live and Exclusively on SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD