UFC 164: Anthony Pettis talks about his lucky shot at Benson Henderson

UFC Lightweight contender Anthony Pettis talks about the lucky string of circumstances that resulted in him getting a title shot in his hometown at UFC 164.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

UFC #1 Lightweight contender Anthony Pettis spoke to Damon Martin about the strange string of events that saw him get the opportunity to rematch Ben Henderson for the UFC Lightweight title at UFC 164 in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

First Pettis got hurt and had to bow out of a shot at Featherweight champ Jose Aldo at UFC 163. Then T.J. Grant got a concussion and suddenly Ben Henderson needed an opponent, just as Pettis was healed up enough to fight.

Here's some highlights:

"It wasn't like nothing happened. I tore my LCL, it's still a serious injury, but it isn't as bad as an ACL or meniscus tear. Minimum is supposed to be six weeks out, but I've got a good therapist here, and I feel confident enough that I can take this fight," Pettis stated. "You can't say no when the UFC calls, especially for a title shot."

"I actually went back (to training) last week which is the crazy thing. I went back, sparred for the first time, felt good and I was thinking October for Josh Thomson. That's what I was getting ready for, trying to get back in the gym. The UFC called with the best news of my life.

"I'm even thinking like 'damn, could TJ Grant be really hurt?', is this part of some bigger plan? It's just crazy. The way it happened and the way it's playing out. It's one of those storybook fairytales," Pettis said. "It wasn't supposed to happen, but it worked out perfectly.

"I was thinking the same thing, like TJ Grant can't get hurt, this isn't true. Two guys can't get hurt in two divisions in back-to-back title fights. I don't know, it just turned out in my favor. I don't want to think about it more. This is the biggest fight of my life in my hometown. I just want that contract to come so I can sign it and it can be 100 percent."

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