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Sergio Pettis to explore free-agency options

All of a sudden, Sergio Pettis is a free agent.

Following talks to book Pettis against Kai Kara-France at UFC 245, it was determined recently that Pettis' UFC contract had expired and he is free to explore opportunities elsewhere, sources told ESPN.

Sources said Pettis isn't ruling out a return to the UFC, but he is open to testing the market.

As a result, Pettis vs. Kara-France -- a fight that had reportedly been set for Dec. 14 in Las Vegas -- is now on hold and Pettis has begun fielding offers from other promotions, sources said.

Pettis (18-5), the younger brother of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, debuted in UFC in 2013 with a record of 9-0. After 14 UFC fights and a record of 9-5 inside the Octagon, he was considered one of the top flyweights on the roster.

Last month, Pettis defeated Tyson Nam via unanimous decision. His most notable win was a split-decision victory over Joseph Benavidez in June 2018.

Pettis, 26, has competed as a bantamweight and flyweight in UFC.