CHICAGO – To the outside observer, it appeared smooth sailing for Sergio Pettis when he defended his title Friday at Bellator 297.
During the lead-up to his main event bout at Winstar Arena, it seemed all eyes and most headlines were on Pettis’ opponent Patricio Freire, despite being title challenger. The spotlight wasn’t as much on the champion as it normally is.
Even Pettis (23-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) admits that he may have given in to doubt a little bit, though it’s not necessarily irregular for him pre-fight.
