UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis Wins NEXT Challenge, Will be on Wheaties Box in 2015
For the first time in the 80-year history of the Wheaties brand, fans across America got the decided which athlete would appear on the iconic cover of the Wheaties box.
“Throughout history, the front of the Wheaties box has chronicled the greatest achievements in sports,” said David Oehler, marketing manager for Wheaties, when the contest was launched on July 1.
“The athletes competing in Wheaties NEXT are dominating in their respective sports while displaying the passion and character that embodies a Wheaties box athlete. We are thrilled to bring this competition to life with MapMyFitness and get communities across America moving this summer.”
UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis will grace the Wheaties box in 2015 after mixed martial arts fans logged workouts that counted as votes over the two-month period the contest ran.
But there can be only one winner. Congratulations to @Showtimepettis, the NEXT athlete to appear on the Wheaties box! #wheatiesnext
— Wheaties (@wheaties) September 1, 2014
Pettis emerged as the winner on Sept. 1, beating out Motocross star Ryan Dungey, track and field standout Blake Leeper, Lacross all-star Rob Pannell, and female soccer sensation Christen Press.
This is huge for the sport!!! Thank you to everyone who voted…. December 6th I will silence the… http://t.co/Nh8Y8Bb00X
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) September 1, 2014
Pettis is expected put his 155-pound title on the line for the first time on Dec. 6 at UFC 181 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas against top contender Gilbert Melendez.
