Anthony Pettis' return delayed, coaching gig on The Ultimate Fighter could be next

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Anthony Pettis has been rehabbing after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year, and though he was optimistically targeting a September return, it's looking like it will be closer to the end of October or November. However, one scenario could get him back in the spotlight sooner, though it would mean a delay to his actual Octagon return.

There have been rumors in the past week that Pettis is being targeted for a coaching spot opposite Donald Cerrone on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, with the two lightweights then squaring off likely in December. Nothing's been finalized on that, but it's an opportunity Pettis would absolutely relish.

"I'm shooting for October or November [to return]," Pettis said on Friday in an interview with MMAJunkie.com. "[My shoulder] is taking a little longer than expected. I want to make sure it's 100 percent before I get back in there."

"[The TUF gig has] been mentioned by my management. They said it's not necessarily in the works but is more of a rumor. But for me, it's a great opportunity. If it does happen, I'm definitely going to go for it."

"For me, I want a title shot, so whatever is going to get me that next fight to the title shot, I'm all for it."

Penick's Analysis: With Pettis' return already delayed as his shoulder heals, this actually could work out perfectly. The show would give him and Cerrone a ton of exposure on FX, keeping them both in the spotlight for a number one contender fight. Whomever holds the title after next month's UFC 151 event could then meet Nate Diaz in November or December in a title fight, with the Pettis-Cerrone winner earning the next shot in early 2013. It would line things up perfectly for the UFC, plus inject some new blood into the Ultimate Fighter process. Getting Duke Roufus' team in there with Greg Jackson's camp would provide world class training for all the fighters competing in the next season of the show.

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