Showtime Pettis: I’m going to knock out Melendez and then shut up Diaz

During a Q&A session this past Friday prior to the weigh-ins for UFC 171 in Dallas, UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was asked how he plans to defeat his next opponent Gilbert Melendez:

“I’m not going to take him down,” stated Pettis. “I’m probably going to knock him out.”

Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez will serve as opposing coaches on Season 20 of “The Ultimate Fighter” before fighting for the title later this year. “Showtime” expressed his excitement for both the coaching gig as well as the fight itself:

“Gilbert’s going to be a good fight,” said Pettis. “I’m excited to coach ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ It should be a fun show, and no, I’m not a wrestler, so I’m looking for the knockout.”

When asked by a fan what his dream fight would be, regardless of time or weight restrictions, Pettis responded with the following:

“To be honest, the guy I really want to fight right now is Nate Diaz,” admitted Pettis. “I think the fans want to see that one, so Nate Diaz is on the radar for sure. For me, Diaz is a good fighter. He could be one of the next guys I fight, but he’s the one that talks the most. So I want to settle it.”

Gilbert Melendez will no doubt be an awesome challenge to Anthony Pettis’ lightweight title, but a fight between “Showtime” and Nate Diaz is equally appealing.

If YOU could pick Anthony’s next opponent, who would it be.. Melendez or Diaz? Sound off Penn Nation!