In an epic war of two former UFC champs, former lightweight title holder Rafael dos Anjos proved he’s a real threat at 170 pounds, whitewashing future UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler.
The main event at UFC on Fox 26 saw top welterweights clash in a battle that would have implications for the entire division.
Lawler was patient to start, while dos Anjos was busy on his feet, darting in and out and opening with a low kick. Dos Anjos’ best display of skill came in the second round when he backed Lawler up against the fence and unloaded a massive amount of punches that at the time looked like it did real damage, but Lawler walked away smiling.
But the smiles went away quickly from Lawler because dos Anjos continued his onslaught over the final 15 minutes, landing a variety of head kicks and leg kicks. By the start of the fifth round, Lawler could barely walk or put pressure on his right leg from the amount of damage it had taken.
Dos Anjos (28-9), mentioned before the bout that he believed this fight should have been for the interim welterweight title. Now, he’s calling for his shot at champion Tyron Woodley.
“I am so happy,” dos Anjos said after the win. “I have been doing this for so long and tonight was a real pleasure. Robbie Lawler is a legend, and my hands are hurting.
“I was confident in my conditioning. I feel like he had a very tough head, so I started working the body. I feel like I’ve gotten better, and I credit my coaches. In my opinion, I just beat the toughest guy in the division and I think I’ve earned the title shot. I am 3-0 in this division and a former champion. I have earned my shot at Tyron Woodley, and I will be champion of this division.”
Check out some highlights of the fight here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbi6EYxUVJs
Can Rafael Dos Anjos get his title shot after beating one of the toughest guys in the UFC? Check out his performance at #UFCWinnipeg https://t.co/h7FKJ6NDIc
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 17, 2017
Mayhem. #UFCWinnipeg https://t.co/iFBCTrFvTy
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 17, 2017
What a war:
Wait, DC wasn't joking. Lawler was ACTUALLY SMILING!!#UFCWinnipeg pic.twitter.com/EbZd6V0zar
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2017
Ruthless fashion:
Here comes @Ruthless_RL. #UFCWinnipeg pic.twitter.com/yEn7zgajjs
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2017
Dos Anjos is now 3-0 at 170 pounds while Lawler is 1-2 in his last three fights.
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