Former UFC lightweight champion Antony Pettis is aiming for a December return to action after suffering an elbow injury that has forced him to be sidelined since March.

On an interview with “Inside MMA” on AXS TV, Pettis stated that he hopes to be ready by the December 19th UFC on Fox card. The event will be headlined by a lightweight championship bout between Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone.

“I’m pushing for this year. I’m pushing for a December return,” Pettis stated. “‘Cowboy’ and dos Anjos are on a card, and if one of them gets injured I’d be ready to step in.”

Pettis (18-3) has battled injuries for almost his entire UFC career. He has either had to pull out or delay bouts due to injuries in the past. Blame had been placed on his camp RoufusSport citing that the sparring sessions and training are too taxing for the fighters. Many within the camp came out to quickly defend the training center and refute such accusations.

Below you can see the full interview with Pettis on “Inside MMA” that took place on Friday night.