Sergio Pettis sets pace for fellow late bloomers at Bellator 301

CHICAGO – There are few who can speak authoritatively on what it’s like to have a sibling on a Wheaties box, but Sergio Pettis is one of them.

For athletes worldwide, being featured on a Wheaties box has been a pinnacle of sports for almost 90 years. To date, the only MMA fighter to appear on the cereal brand’s packaging is Anthony Pettis, Sergio’s older brother, who was the UFC’s lightweight champion at the time.

Sergio revealed that trying to live up to the expectations created by his brother helped shape him into Bellator’s bantamweight champion.

“I just want to be an example for everyone who’s a late bloomer,” Pettis told MMA Junkie and other media members at the pre-fight media day for Bellator 301. “I feel like I’m a late bloomer. It took me time to really develop my game, my skill and my confidence. Growing up, I was not a confident individual and I had a lot of anxiety. I was also under my brother’s shadow, but in those dark times I was able to learn who I am.”

Pettis (23-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) talked about that, as well as his bantamweight title unification fight against interim champ Patchy Mix (18-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) and more at the pre-fight media day for Bellator 301.

Check out Pettis’ full interview in the video above ahead of the event, which takes place Friday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 301.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie