Pettis to wait to return to the octagon

The Latino clash between former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and Paraguayan Alexander Martinez had to be canceled due to Pettis’ health reasons. His chances of making the 2021 PFL playoffs are now down to the June 25 card.

Two-time undisputed boxing champion Claressa Shields’ MMA debut against Brittanny Elkin remains the featured fight.

PFL announced that the Mexican and Puerto Rican-born fighter would be replaced from Thursday’s card by reigning 155-pound champion Natan Schulte of Brazil, who will now face Martinez, who is coming off a decision win over Loik Radzhabov and sits among the rankings leaders with three points.

Schulte, two-time winner of the million dollars in 2018 and 2019, was surprised in the first round by the Polish Marcin Held, so he marches with zero units and is forced to finish to think about his three-time championship.

The one who would be his rival, Raush Manfio, will now face Pettis in the last event of the regular season.

Pettis came into PFL as the favorite to be crowned, but was outpointed by former UFC fighter Clay Collard in his debut and is also desperate for a win to make the postseason.

Four fighters on the card changed dates, as featherweight champion Lance Palmer will now face Movlid Khaybulaev at the same event on June 25.