Friendship on Hold: Sergio Pettis and Raufeon Stots Set for Epic PFL Showdown

When the cage door closes, friendships take a backseat. That’s exactly what’s happening with former Bellator bantamweight champions Sergio Pettis and Raufeon Stots, who are preparing to face off in what promises to be an explosive matchup at the PFL’s upcoming June 27 event.

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and there’s something special about watching two friends who’ve trained together transform into opponents. It’s like watching a chess match where both players know each other’s favorite moves.

Former Training Partners Turn Opponents

Pettis and Stots aren’t just casual acquaintances – they’ve shared the mats at Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, developing a brotherhood forged through sweat and sacrifice. But come June 27, they’ll be looking to take each other’s head off.

“It’s business,” Pettis reportedly told teammates when the bout was announced. “We can be friends before and after, but during those 15 or 25 minutes, he’s just another obstacle in my path.”

Stots seems to share the sentiment, having previously mentioned in interviews that fighting friends is part of the game when you’re chasing championship gold.

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Battle of Former Bellator Champions

What makes this matchup particularly intriguing is the championship pedigree both men bring to the cage:

Why This Fight Matters for PFL

The PFL continues its aggressive talent acquisition strategy by showcasing these two former Bellator standouts. For fight fans in Brevard County and beyond, this represents a serious statement of intent from an organization looking to challenge the UFC’s dominance.

You might remember that both fighters were part of the Bellator roster that PFL acquired in their recent business merger. This bout represents one of the first “super fights” to emerge from that deal.

Stylistic Chess Match

What makes this fight particularly mouth-watering is the contrasting styles:

• Pettis: The younger brother of Anthony “Showtime” Pettis brings surgical striking precision and lightning-fast movement
• Stots: A Division II national wrestling champion with explosive takedowns and improving striking

Their familiarity with each other’s techniques adds another fascinating layer. They know each other’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s like they’ve been studying for this test for years.

“When you train with someone, you pick up on little things,” I remember a coach telling me once. “The way they shift weight before a takedown, how they set up combinations. But knowing and stopping are two different things.”

The Mental Game

Fighting a friend requires a psychological adjustment that can’t be underestimated. Can they set aside their relationship and fight with the same ferocity they’d show a stranger? That’s the million-dollar question.

Historically, friend-versus-friend matchups have produced some of the sport’s most tactical battles, as fighters carefully navigate the emotional complexities while still pursuing victory.

What This Means for Their Careers

For both men, this fight represents a crucial crossroads:

• A win puts either fighter immediately into the PFL bantamweight title conversation
• Demonstrates their ability to adapt to the PFL’s unique tournament format and points system
• Provides crucial momentum after transitioning from Bellator

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How to Watch This Can’t-Miss Matchup

For local MMA fans in Brevard County, this is appointment viewing. The PFL event will broadcast on ESPN+ on June 27th, with preliminary fights likely starting in the early evening.

If you’re planning a watch party (and why wouldn’t you?), I’d recommend gathering your friends around 7 PM to catch all the action, including what should be an absolutely stellar main card.

Ready for War

When I think about this matchup, I can’t help but remember what a veteran fighter once told me: “The toughest opponents are the ones who know exactly who you are in the cage.” Pettis and Stots certainly fit that description.

Their friendship might be on hold for one night, but the respect between these warriors runs deep. And when the final bell rings, don’t be surprised to see an embrace that reminds us all why this sport is so special.

Are you excited for this bantamweight clash of titans? Which former champion are you picking to get their hand raised? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Source: PFL official announcement