Rafael dos Anjos is sure that he will become the UFC Lightweight champion on March 14, at UFC 185. The contender got his chance to fight for the title after winning eight of his last nine fights, including outstanding performances against Donald Cerrone, Ben Henderson and Nate Diaz. Confident in his skills, RDA told Globo that knocking out the champion Anthony Pettis is the next step.
“I’m super excited with this opportunity, it will be my fifth fight in 12 months. I like to be the underdog, I’m used to it. It’s a motivation for me and against Pettis will be no different. I fight well when have big challenges. I knocked Ben Henderson out and I’ll do the same with Pettis. I want to make history and become the first Brazilian to win the Lightweight title.”
Dos Anjos says that he’s aware of the skills of Pettis but also sees holes at the champion’s game.
“I think that you have to put pressure on Pettis, otherwise he starts to throws those kicks that he has. He’s a creative guy, I think that you have to not let him breathe. He’s a great champion, has a strong game, he’s coming from a impressive streak, finished two former champions, such as Henderson and Melendez. He’s also young, well rounded, knocks people out, submits guys, but I think that his reign will end. He’s a human being, he has already lost and made mistakes. I see a lot of flaws in his game but I won’t tell because I would be giving him a chance to correct things, but I know that my volume will be important. I’m only sure that this fight will not go to the distance. I’ll will train to finish him by KO or submission. I don’t know how but I’ll win.”
The only man to defeat Dos Anjos since 2012, Khabib Nurmagomedov would be the logical option to get the title shot. However, the Russian had a knee surgery last September and still isn’t cleared to compete.
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