ANAHEIM, Calif. – Chris Avila notched an enormous title on his resume – fairly probably the most important – Saturday when he defeated former UFC light-weight champion Anthony Pettis by unanimous choice in a six-round boxing match on the “Final Man Standing” foremost card.
A longtime pal and coaching associate of Nate Diaz, Avila (6-1) accompanied his mentor into the ranks of the UFC however endured inconsistent MMA profession earlier than he transitioned totally into the world of boxing.
Whereas he entered boxing as a sub-.500 combined martial artist, Avila continues to shake the critics as he racks up win and after win.
“I’m an actual boxer, and lots of people don’t know that,” Avila advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “All these haters who hate on me and say a bunch of dangerous stuff within the feedback and on-line can suck my d*ck.”
Whereas Pettis (1-1) is a largely recognizable title in fight sports activities, Avila thinks a win over him is value much more than that. Pettis defeated boxing legend Roy Jones in a match in 2023 and Avila is blissful to make use of the transitive property when doing boxing math.
“It’s cool to get the win,” Avila mentioned. “(Pettis) simply got here off a win over Roy Jones Jr., although he’s 55 years previous. But it surely’s nonetheless Roy Jones Jr. He gained, or was it a draw over Mike Tyson? Anyway, I really feel like I acquired that win (and) collected some credentials tonight. It was good.”
As for what’s subsequent, Avila plans to proceed going ahead with boxing, somewhat than pivot again to MMA. It’s massive names from right here on out, if he will get his approach.
“I need massive names,” Avila mentioned. “Anthony Pettis was a very good title, massive title. I need to struggle winners. If one thing had been to occur with Nate and Masvidal, I’d prefer to struggle Masvidal subsequent. However I solely need to struggle winners, so f*ck Masvidal.”
“… For proper now, I’m going to stay with boxing. I take it critically. I take my profession critically. I’m on a six-fight successful streak now. I need to struggle actual fighters and actual boxers and large names. I need to get myself on the market so I can attain the highest.”
Make sure you go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.