When Anthony Pettis and Nate Diaz collide on August 17 at UFC 241, they will do so at 170 pounds.
That may come as a surprise to some, considering both men are longtime lightweight contenders. But for Pettis’ coach, Duke Roufus, who watched his protégé successfully debut in the welterweight division this past March with a highlight-reel knockout of Stephen Thompson, the extra weight is a welcome addition to an already enticing fight against one of the biggest stars in the sport.
“I think it’s great for both guys,” Roufus said recently on The MMA Hour.