Sergio Pettis Aims to Honor Duke Roufus in Emotional PFL Chicago Title Eliminator vs. Mitch McKee

Sergio Pettis is familiar with fighting in Chicago, where he's considered a local favorite, but his upcoming bout carries unique significance.

Many anticipated the former Bellator MMA titleholder would be in a championship fight, yet he finds himself clashing with Mitch McKee, a promotional debutant, in the PFL Smart Cage. Explaining how this headline fight at PFL Chicago on April 11th came to be, Pettis shared:

“This was an interesting matchup. They offered Mitch McKee a significant opportunity to face an experienced fighter like myself for his debut on the big stage. After my finish against Magomed, it looked like I was heading for a title shot. However, the tournament winner was injured at the time, and the timing didn’t align, so they wanted me to fight here in Chicago to stay active.”

“I was fine with that. Mitch McKee was the name they proposed. I've never turned down a fight in my career, so this is just another one. It’s a very risky fight for me, facing someone who isn’t well-known yet. It definitely puts my top position and a potential title fight at risk.”

When asked if the promotion explicitly promised a title opportunity if he hands McKee his first professional MMA loss, Pettis stated:

“Yes, I believe they are still navigating things as an organization. I know they’ve moved away from the tournament format, which has changed everything. I see that the former tournament champion, Alves, is set to fight the Rizin champion, Inoue, which seems to be a title contender eliminator.”

“My name might be thrown into that mix, or whoever else they decide. I’m not particularly upset about anything; I'm just focused on staying busy and active. At 32 years old, I’m trying to make the most of my remaining time in the sport and continue delivering impressive performances while I feel I’m in my prime.”

Sergio Pettis on Duke Roufus’ passing: "First fight not having him around" and the mixed emotions

Sergio Pettis debuted in MMA at 15, turning professional in September 2011. Now, he stands as the established veteran, an elder statesman with a strong fighting record, facing an undefeated, younger combatant on their rise.

Reflecting on his journey through the demanding world of competitive combat sports, Pettis quipped:

“Yeah, it’s truly come full circle. Especially now that my coach, Duke Roufus, has passed away. I’ve been stepping up in the gym, helping my teammates prepare. Seeing them progress in their careers makes me think about the beginning of my own. It just goes by so fast. As you said, I made my pro debut at 18, and here I am at 32, with 33 fights, a couple of belts, and significant momentum.”

“It’s been a blessing and an incredible journey. I’ve always said I’m in it for the long haul, and even at 32, I honestly don't see myself stopping until I’m probably in my 40s. It’s been amazing to witness everything, like watching my younger cousin AJ establish himself. It’s a feeling similar to how Anthony probably felt watching me – immense pride.”

Pettis’ late coach, Duke Roufus, built a massive legacy as the mastermind behind Roufusport MMA. Emphasizing the martial arts tradition of lineage, Pettis expressed his deep pride in taking Duke’s lessons and passing them on to the next generation of fighters:

“Knowledge is wasted if it isn't shared. So, everything I learned from Duke, I will pass down to future generations. I believe that’s how we’ll keep Duke Roufus’ name alive. Long live Duke Roufus and everything he taught us, it’s been incredible. I visit other gyms and see great coaching, but the personal relationship I had with Duke, his endless knowledge of martial arts – he was truly one of a kind.”

“I want to be almost like the next Duke, in a way, while still focusing on my career and not fully coaching at the moment. It’s been cool, but tough as well. Duke was a father figure to me since I was 13 or 14 years old.”

“This will be my first fight without him, and it’s going to be interesting. I know my emotions will be mixed. I’ve been trying to come to terms with it. But this fight is very important for me. I need to go out there and show Duke that everything he taught me is still relevant and will be implemented in my game plans.”