Featherweight or bust.

After a stellar fight card that was UFC 202, the biggest MMA promotion in the world is already on the move with their next event this coming Saturday at UFC on Fox 21 that pits standout welterweights Demian Maia and Carlos Condit in the main event slot. It’s a truly compelling match up that’s sure to have a major impact on the division going forward. But that’s not the only big fight that’s to be featured on the upcoming Fox card. Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis downshifts to featherweight to face off against the talented Charles Oliveira. It wasn’t too long ago when the MMA world was naming Anthony Pettis as the best offensive fighter in the game. Big wins over Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson, and Gilbert Melendez had fans and pundits alike anointing Pettis as the king of fighters. Then came Rafael dos Anjos who simply spoiled everything. Since losing to dos Anjos, Pettis hasn’t won a bout and is in desperate need of a win come Saturday night. Anthony Pettis is definitely a talented striker with a ton of heart and toughness and luckily for him he’s fighting an opponent who doesn’t have the wrestling pedigree to turn this into a grueling match. Pettis will do well to use lateral movement, tight boxing combinations and kicks at long range until the moment arises where he can pour it on and look for the finish. Despite a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game, Pettis will want to avoid a ground fight where his opponent has a strong advantage. Charles Oliveira isn’t the kind of fighter you’d call durable. Not to say he isn’t tough, but he does tend to wilt when the pressure is put on. That being said he has a competent striking style that focuses more on kicks and jabs than combination punching. Fighting a traditional Thai style, Oliveira likes to pressure his opponents with steady offense as he marches forward. He’ll have trouble with such a game plan against Pettis however and should opt to use his striking purely to get Pettis into the clinch. From there Oliveira should look to land knees and elbows as well as look to jump guard if need be. As said before Oliveira has a nasty ground game and has the ability to submit anyone if the fight goes south. He doesn’t lay still on his back and will constantly look for submissions while grounded. The former lightweight champion hasn’t looked the best as of late, but that doesn’t mean he’s hopeless. Look for Anthony Pettis to get back on track with a TKO victory in the second round against the game yet slightly over matched Oliveira. Do you think Anthony Pettis will end his losing streak at UFC on Fox 21? Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.