Pettis gets decisive win over Miller in return to 155-lb division

Warning: Story contains a graphic image

Anthony Pettis' return to the lightweight division couldn't have gone any better.

The former 155-lb champion put on a vintage performance Saturday to win a unanimous decision over a game Jim Miller at UFC 213 in Las Vegas.

Just 30 years old, Pettis' career looked to be in limbo after a disappointing two-fight stint at 145 pounds that included an interim championship match loss to Max Holloway that Pettis failed to make weight for. He swore off trying to make that cut again, and vowed to return to the heavier division that he once ruled over.

With the win, Pettis is now 7-5 in the UFC and 20-6 overall.

Pettis came out strong in the first five minutes, showing off the versatile and accurate striking that made him one of the most feared strikers in the UFC.

In Round 2, a head kick sliced Miller wide open above the right eye and when the action spilled to the mat, both fighters ended up covered in blood.

Miller managed to take Pettis' back near the end of the second frame, but Pettis slipped free to end up in top position. His performance stayed sharp in Round 3 and Miller found no answer for Pettis' striking.

The venerable Miller suffers his second straight loss after dropping a majority decision to Dustin Poirier in his last outing. Despite not getting his hand raised, Miller managed to secure a pair of milestones.

Miller's 27th UFC appearance ties him with Michael Bisping, Frank Mir, and Tito Ortiz for the most in company history, while his 26 lightweight outings are tied for the most in that division with Gleison Tibau.