Anthony Pettis at WEC 48

The draw between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard at UFC 125 will mean a trilogy between the two lightweight competitors will happen in 2011, but it also means the last WEC champion Anthony Pettis is left out of the title picture for the time being.

Now it appears Pettis will not wait around for a title shot, and will fight again before challenging Edgar or Maynard.

Mike Roberts of MMA Inc., Pettis’ management company, told MMAWeekly.com on Friday that Pettis would be returning to the cage instead of sitting out for nearly a year to wait for a title shot.

“Anthony was obviously disappointed in not getting the title shot, but he also understands why Dana made that decision,” Roberts said. “After consulting with Anthony and Duke Roufus, we collectively decided that it would be in Anthony’s best interest to take a fight in the meantime.

“A 10-month or possible year layoff was just too long. We believe with a win against a top lightweight contender Anthony will still get the title shot later in the year”.

Pettis defeated Ben Henderson at WEC 53 to close out that promotion in December, and was slated to face the winner of Edgar and Maynard, but a draw put that on hold.

Pettis looks to return to the cage, likely in the first half of 2011, to keep busy then challenge either Edgar or Maynard if he can stay on a winning path.