UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis recently pulled out of his first scheduled title defense against Josh Thomson because of an injured knee. Now, he is closer to knowing the full extent of his injury and the prognosis isn’t good.
A report from Wednesday night’s UFC Tonight television program said that Pettis has suffered a torn PCL in his knee and that three separate doctors have recommended a surgery that could keep the champion out of commission for half a year. “Showtime” is reportedly going to seek the opinion of a fourth doctor to see if he can avoid surgery and have continued physical therapy completely heal his hurt knee.
If Pettis decides to go the strictly physical therapy route, he could finish that rehabilitation in eight weeks. However, Pettis already has tried rehab on the knee – which was injured twice this past summer - and recently re-injured it on his first day back in training.
The fighter told UFC Tonight reporter Ariel Helwani that if the fourth doctor also recommends surgery to repair his knee, he will get the procedure done. UFC president Dana White said that Pettis will “definitely” need to have his knee operated on during a recent interview.
We will keep you informed as this story continues to develop.
Related story: Sergio Pettis welcomes pressure of being champ's little brother ahead of UFC 167 debut
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