The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented guy on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.
The sports world is one that likes to use the word “Next”. Constantly we as fans are looking forward to a time where our team will be better, where we can have hope again or when the bright young star will finally reach his potential. Sometimes, however, the hopes of fans can be tough to live up to. So many athletes have fallen away while we wait for them to hit their stride. Our Prelim Breakout Star this week has been hearing these hopes and wishes for years now. Then again, it’s not easy being the UFC Lightweight Champion’s little brother.
Sergio Pettis
Affiliation – Roufusport
Nickname – The Phenom
From – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Height – 5’6”
Weight – 135 lbs (Bantamweight)
Record – 9-0 (0-0 UFC)
What makes him impressive
Much like his brother and the majority of those who train at Roufusport, Sergio’s stand up is the go to. A world champion in taekwondo at age 13, he has been honing his stand up skills for a long time, which is impressive seeing as he’s just one month older than the UFC itself which celebrates it’s 20th anniversary this week. So, you take those well defined skills and refine them with legendary striking trainer Duke Roufus and you have all the makings of one of the best up and coming strikers in the division.
To only further draw out the comparison, which Sergio may or may not be sick of at this point, his ground game, much like his brother's, is also very slick. While he made his name early as a striker, he’s been finding a home for submissions lately. Recently, he took home his second championship belt, this time the NAFC bantamweight strap, by kimura.
Why he’s been overlooked
In short, he’s not. If people have yet to hear of him, it is only likely due to his young age. However, those who’ve seen him know.
What makes this a good matchup
Will Campuzano is a very strong opponent on the ground. He’s slick in his attacking and works off of his back well. However, in the past he has had trouble getting the fight to the ground. As long as Sergio doesn’t try to bring the fight to the ground, there is a very small chance it’ll get there and an even smaller chance that Campuzano will win.
Daniel Vreeland is a writer (PrelimPicker) and teacher with an avid love for martial arts. He has practiced jiu jitsu and submission grappling under and next to many top names including Royce Gracie, Rousimar Palhares, Murilo Bustamante and Marco Alvan. He has placed in multiple NAGA grappling tournaments and currently trains under black belt Dave Roy in Amherst, MA.
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