Cars torched in arson attack on UFC ex-champion’s home

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis said he is “shocked and confused” after three of his cars were torched outside his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

According to a report from FOX 6 in Milwaukee, the attack happened in the early hours of Thursday morning.

An unknown suspect set two of Pettis’ vehicles on fire, before the blaze spread to a third vehicle in his driveway.

“Anthony has no idea who could be responsible for this incident or why someone would damage his property in such a way,” his representative, Lindsey Deierling of EAG Sports Management, told TMZ Sports.

“He is shocked and confused as to who would randomly commit such a hateful crime like this to his family.

“He has no ongoing issues with anyone in his community, and he is very well known in Milwaukee for the work and dedication he has put into helping his city and creating jobs and resources for the local citizens.

“Anthony is disappointed that this person(s) would compromise the safety of his family and destroy his personal property.

“Law enforcement is investigating this as an act of arson and Anthony is hopeful that they will get to the bottom of this so that he and his family can feel safe in their home.”

In an Instagram post relating to the incident, Pettis vowed not to be defeated by the attack. 

A car was seen speeding through the neighborhood just before a loud explosion was heard as Pettis’ vehicles were engulfed in flames.

The fire department put out the blaze before it could cause any serious damage to the house. Police confirmed no suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“Right around the same time as that happened, there was kind of a large bang,” Pettis’ neighbor Carson Blaszak said.

“It was three cars caught on fire. I just, I ran outside, and I was hoping, you know, the house hopefully wasn’t gonna catch on fire.”

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Pettis, 29, was in Thailand earlier this week to prepare for his upcoming featherweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 206 in Toronto on December 10.

He ended a run of three consecutive defeats in the UFC with a submission victory over Charles Oliveira at the end of August.

Along with business partners Scott Joffe and Duke Roufus, Pettis owns the Roufusport MMA Academy and the Showtime Sports Bar in Milwaukee. He also owns the ASP Barbershop in the city.