Pettis Reveals How He Landed On Wheaties Box

Anthony Pettis landed on the iconic Wheaties box by default after Jon Jones missed out on the opportunity.

The former UFC lightweight champion shared the story on his podcast, according to MMA Mania. Pettis revealed that the cereal brand originally planned to feature Jones but circumstances shifted the promotion's choice to him instead.

How Pettis Secured The Wheaties Deal

Pettis became one of the few MMA fighters to appear on the breakfast cereal's cover following his showreel knockout of Benson Henderson at UFC 164 in 2013. That finish, combined with his signature cage-kick against the same opponent two years earlier, made him a marketing favourite.

Jones faced legal troubles in 2015 that stalled his career momentum and likely cost him endorsement deals during that stretch. Pettis capitalised on the opening and cemented his place in UFC lore with the box appearance.

The Milwaukee native went 10-9 in the UFC after capturing the lightweight belt but remains one of the promotion's most recognisable names from that era. He left the organisation in 2020 and competed in both PFL and Bellator before announcing his retirement in 2024.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Anthony Pettis reveals how he landed UFC Wheaties box: ‘It was supposed to be Jon Jones’