Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez Rumored For January

Oft-injured lightweight and former champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis has been out of action since last March when he was absolutely destroyed by current champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185.

Pettis was supposed to take on Edson Barboza at July’s UFC on FOX 16, but an elbow injury has forced him out ever since. However, it seems as if his return could be on the horizon.

According to a report from Combate, “Showtime” will return in January to clash with former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. The report said that the bout could possibly land on January 17, 2015 in Boston, but nothing is official yet, not even the fight.

Alvarez took to his twitter with extreme excitement about the fight, but it seemed as if he was unaware of it as well:

I can’t sit right Now !! Boston !! Me and Pettis ?? are You fucking Kidding me !!! East coast lets Gooooo!!! This will be something special

— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) September 9, 2015

Since finally signing with the UFC last year, “The Silent Assassin” has gone 1-1 in the UFC, getting destroyed by Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in his Octagon debut at UFC 178 last September. Alvarez then bounced back with a hard fought victory over former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez at June’s UFC 188.

A scrap with Pettis would prove if Alvarez could truly hang with the 155-pound elite.

For Pettis, this bout makes a lot of sense as well. After coming off of a brutal loss, and a long layoff, a bout with a former champion would give “Showtime” the tune up fight he needs while also giving him the chance to put his name back in the title picture.

Who would you pick to win this potential bout?