ANTHONY PETTIS emotional hailed Eugene, his father Eugene, before he took on his next fight.
Pettis is the headliner of the Professional Fighters League semifinals for the year. He will be taking on Stevie Ray from Scotland in a rematch.
Anthony Pettis emotional hailed Eugene, his father,
The father of MMA's star was stabbed to death by his son in 2003
Eugene Pettis photographed with his dad
This bout comes one week after Danny Garcia, a boxer, was left in tears after winning his comeback fight after a mental illness battle.
Garcia was supported by Angel, his father and trainer, who Pettis related to.
Eugene, a former UFC champion, was just 16 years old when a would-be robber stabbed him to death at his friend's house in 2003.
Pettis stated: "Man, just looking at Danny Garcia fight, him, his pops, and the way he's in his interviews, it was like my dad.
"You know, Puerto Rican guy, very outspoken and a good fighter in himself.
"I believe that's where my brother and I got our fighting skills from our dad.
He was obviously killed in a house burglary as a child, so I didn't get to see that. It made me the man I am today.
Garcia, 34, was overcome with emotion and bravely shared his struggle to get back in the ring after beating Jose Benavidez Jr., 30.
He stated that he was going through mental issues. I felt a little dark.
"I was afflicted by anxiety and depression, but I tried my best to remain strong.
"The pressures of life, boxing, being a good father - I'm just letting them out now.
It weighed heavily on me for over a year. Fighting and winning is the only way to improve.
"That's exactly what I did tonight. I came in and fought my soul out.
"Some days I still struggle. Although I still have my dark days, I do my best to remain positive."
Pettis, 35 years old, praised Garcia's courage. He has also experienced the same ups, downs in his career.
Pettis stated, "As fighters we're seen as these macho guys in which if anything happens you just get through it."
"But these fights bring out a lot of emotions.
"Like my career. I was at the top of the world on a Wheaties box. Then I lost three fights in succession right after that.
"There are many emotions involved in that.
"A lot of dark moments, I've experienced some dark times during my career, but I also had some dark periods in my career that my support system helped me through.
"It's wonderful that people are speaking out about it. Danny and I are close friends. We know each other well.
"There is a lot of pressure on fighters and athletes, and we sort of get overlooked."
Anthony Pettis is playing against Stevie Ray in the semi-final of the PFL
