When Anthony Pettis had knee surgery in 2013, many fans didn't know if he'd ever return back to his usual dominating form.

Well, he's put the UFC world on notice. He's back and better than ever. After defeating Benson Henderson by armbar submission for the lightweight title, Pettis is ready to put his winning streak and title on the line once again.

The Wisconsin native, who is of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, has deep fighting roots and interesting fighting techniques that he feels separate him from the rest of the pack.

Pettis spoke to the Latin Post about his career and upcoming fight at UFC 185 Saturday against Rafael dos Anjos:

1. What made you pursue a career in mixed martial arts?

"I started off with Taekwondo and boxing as a kid, and mixed martial arts became really popular when I turned 17 to 18 years old. I decided to try it out, and I found out I was really good at it really quick."

2. In August 2013, you defeated Benson Henderson in your hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to win the Lightweight championship. Would you say that was the biggest win of your career?

"I think every last fight is the biggest win of my career. No doubt, that was one of pivotal moments in my career, but I have a title to defend. So, I think every time I defend my title, it's the biggest fight of my career."

3. The best thing about being a UFC Fighter is...

"I get to do what I love and I get paid for it."

4. Fighting is a very popular sport worldwide. Taekwondo, Judo, boxing and wrestling are all Summer Olympic events. Could ever see yourself competing at the Olympics one day?

"My dream as a kid was competing in Taekwondo, but with mixed martial arts, I feel like the UFC provides fighting at the highest level. If mixed martial arts events like we see at the UFC was at the Olympics, I would definitely like to participate."

5. You have Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. How important is your Latin American heritage to you when it comes to your fighting career?

"It's huge. Not only because of the Puerto Rican and Mexican blood pumping through my body, but I grew up with my Mom, who's Mexican. I grew up watching great boxers like Oscar De La Hoya and Julio César Chávez. Growing up as a kid, I wanted to be just like them, and now, I have the chance to do that with a different sport."

6. Okay, now I got to ask. As a Wisconsin native, are you a Green Bay Packers fan? Favorite sports team?

"Yes. Big Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks fan. Huge Aaron Rodgers fan."

7. You've won fights by submissions, knockouts and split decisions. Do you think you're the most well-balanced MMA fighter today?

"Absolutely. I think I'm a new breed of fighters these days. I can win fights on the ground and on my feet with my boxing and kick boxing skills because I train all types of martial."

8. After your title defense victory against Gilbert Melendez you said jiu-jitsu was a "huge part" of your self-defense plan. Why is that style so important to you?

"Because everybody knows me as a great kick boxer. So everybody would try and knock me down and take me out, so all I could do is get better at jiu-jitsu, and that's what I did."

9. What do you think of Carla Esparza, who you've trained with in the past?

"Esparza is a very talented fighter. She's a challenging girl. She's a good wrestler who is getting better with her striking. She's the champion in her weight class, so I'm very proud of her."

10. Your next fight is against Rafael dos Anjos, the lightweight No. 1 contender. He has a lot of experience. How do plan on attacking him?

"I always try and have the same game plan, and that's to finish my fight. No matter what happens, I have to be able to adapt and not leave it up to the judges. I want to get it over with early. I'm predicting a knockout for this fight. He (Rafael) thinks that he can stay with me, and I think that that's a bad idea."

11. A lot of people believe Rafael dos Anjos has an advantage in stamina and grappling because 12 of his wins are by decision. What do you have to say to that?

"The only reason people can say that is because I finish my fights. If I have to go five rounds, then I'm more than prepared to go five rounds. When other fighters are tired by the second round, I'm just getting started. If this fight goes to a fifth round, people will definitely see my endurance."

12. You've been on a great run lately, but you've had some injuries, the biggest one being knee surgery. How are feeling just days away from your championship fight against Rafael dos Anjos?

"I feel amazing. Training camp has been great. Now I just need to check weight, which is the hardest part because the amount you eat is limited and your energy is down. I get to drink all the water I want. Once the weight check is over, everything goes back to normal."

13. You're the UFC Lightweight Champion of the World. You're the main event at the UFC 185. How do you want to be remembered?

"I want people to look back at me like one of the guys that helped bring the sport to the next level. I'm at the top of my level on the biggest stage right now. I also always want to make sure the fans who are buying tickets get to watch a great show and get their money's worth. I know I have a big task at hand."

14. At a very young age you unfortunately lost your father. How did this effect your fighting career?

"To be honest, I don't think it had a profoundly huge impact in my professional fighting career, but it did toughen me up. It made me a tougher person not having him at a young age. I didn't have a father to look up to at 16. You kinda have to live life on your own. I don't use it as motivation for my fights, but it made me a stronger and tougher person."

15 Any predictions on the Mayweather Pacquiao Fight?

"I think Pacquiao is going to give Mayweather some trouble, but Mayweather will find a way to win in the end."

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