7 Takeaways From UFC 213

Jim Miller is no tune up fight in the lightweight division. Anthony Pettis had dropped four of his last five in the worst run of his MMA career, and was handed a tough task on his return to 155. After moving down to featherweight and then missing weight in an interim title fight, Pettis needed to turn it around quickly.

It would be hyperbolic to say this was Anthony Pettis at his best. That being said, there were some fleeting flashes of brilliance that hinted at a return to prominence.

During Pettis' losing streak the biggest criticism was that he could be out-grappled too easily, and he did show one sloppy moment in the fight, getting a little over enthusiastic on a back take and somehow failing to get either hook in. That being said, Miller is a high level BJJ player, and Pettis won a second round that took place almost exclusively on the mat.

In the first and third, Pettis showed off the dynamic striking that made him world champion. His jab was on point, and the variety of his kicking attack was a definite positive. Landing with body kicks and high kicks, including one that opened up a huge gash on Miller's head. Pettis did try a cartwheel kick towards the end of the bout, but that was jumping the shark.

It remains to be seen if Pettis can get back into the title picture at 155 in an ultra-competitive division, but that was a solid first step.