Ex-UFC Champion Anthony Pettis Books Boxing Bout in India Against Neeraj Goyat

Anthony Pettis is heading to India. The former UFC and WEC lightweight champion has been booked to face Neeraj Goyat in a six-round professional boxing match at super welterweight on January 23, 2027, with the city and venue yet to be revealed.

Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions announced the pairing on Wednesday. It will be the 39-year-old's third trip into the squared circle: Pettis upset legendary Roy Jones Jr. by majority decision in April 2023, then dropped a unanimous decision to Chris Avila in July 2024.

Pettis said he sought out Goyat deliberately, calling the 34-year-old Indian the best fighter from his country, and added that he has been dwelling on Sergio Pettis' loss — framing this one as a fight for his brother's memory.

Goyat (21-4-2) arrives riding a five-fight winning streak and relishes the chance to face a name of Pettis' stature on home soil, vowing not to surrender the night in front of his own people.

The bout continues a busy combat-sports calendar for "Showtime," who is also slated to face Donald Cerrone in a wrestling match at RAF 15 on November 28.