Anthony Pettis will be making his return to MMA in June after exploring several other options in his career.
We’ve recently seen the likes of Nate Diaz book their returns to the sport where they made their name due to Most Valuable Promotions bringing MMA to Netflix.
Mike Perry making a career-high payday to face Diaz shows that MVP means business for their huge card at the Intuit Dome on May 16.
While Pettis could’ve been another big name that they could’ve added to the line-up, he has decided to take his first bout since a boxing match in 2024 elsewhere.
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Anthony Pettis announces he’s facing Adil Boranbayev at ORDA Global Fights on June 6
As a former UFC lightweight champion with some iconic wins under his belt, Anthony Pettis has put together a great career.
‘Showtime’ hasn’t competed in MMA since consecutive PFL losses to Stevie Ray in 2022, having gone on to compete in boxing, where he defeated Roy Jones Jr, and Karate Combat.
Via a video on social media, the 39-year-old announced that he’s coming back to MMA to face Adil Boranbayev in the main event of ORDA Global Fights 1 in Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 6.
“Everyone’s been asking me the same question, ‘Showtime, are you done?’ My answer’s always the same,” Pettis said on Instagram. “Time passes everybody, but not me. I’ve already done what most fighters dream of. World titles, knockouts and moments you can’t recreate. But, I’m not here for memories, I’m here to make new ones.”
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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Boranbayev has a record of 23-13-1 and lost his most recent fight in September via split decision in ACA.
The most notable name on his record is Shavkat Rakhmonov, who submitted him in the second round back in 2016.
As for his next opponent, this fight is sure to be an emotional one for Pettis following the passing of his legendary head coach Duke Roufus in 2025.
“I’m not taking it easy on him,” Pettis said in his announcement video. “So Adil, get ready because it’s showtime. See you…
2026-03-20 14:00:00
