Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.), Rafael dos Anjos is excited about his chances of competing for the title. Sixth in the rankings, the Brazilian is on a two-fight winning streak and, excited, is already thinking about a confrontation against his compatriot and belt holder, Charles of the Bronx.
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In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS on 'YouTube', Do Bronx tried to praise Do Bronx's current stage, but highlighted that he could face the champion in an eventual dispute. According to him, the game between athletes 'cancels out' in jiu-jitsu and the result would be defined by whoever had the most energy and strength.
“We are compatriots, but he has what everyone wants (belt). But it would be a cool fight, Charles is a good jiu-jitsu kid. I believe that many fighters who face him, they don't have much resources (on the ground). I'm a guy who already defends myself well. I believe the fight would take place more on the feet. A lot of people are afraid of falling into his guard, which is dangerous, but I feel comfortable on top. It would be a cool game. I wouldn't run away from the fight and it would be a fight that I would be comfortable with in any situation. And I think the decisive factor would be physical conditioning and strength, and I think I would have an advantage in that”, analyzed Dos Anjos.
Charles of the Bronx There's already a fight scheduled. In search of his second belt defense, the Brazilian measures forces against Justin gaethje No. UFC 274, which takes place on May 7th. Rafael dos Anjos, however, reinforces that his compatriot's experience will make the difference in the fight against the North American.
“Charles is an experienced kid. He arrived at the event, won and lost. He fought in two categories, learned a lot from his defeats and that gave him that 'chance'. It's in a very good moment. I see him fighting intelligently and I don't see him losing this fight against the Justin gaethje”, said the carioca.
Next step…
With no fight scheduled, Rafael is still recovering from the five-round 'war' against Renato Moicano, in a valid fight in the UFC 272 on March 5th. However, he highlights that he wants to return to acting in July and mentions Jorge masvidal, Colby covington e Conor McGregor as your targets for the next presentation.
“At the moment, I am recovering and returning to training. I see myself, now, fighting in July. It's the month I want to fight. I came to Brazil to stay active. I want to have three fights this year. We have several options and, as I said in the post-fight interview, I want fights that motivate me to train – regardless of whether the guy is above me in the rankings. I don't want to face a crowd that's coming. I want names of already experienced guys, for example: (Jorge) Masvidal, Colby (Covington) and Conor McGregor”, He highlighted.
Does a fight with McGregor still make sense?
The rivalry between Dos Anjos and McGregor began in 2016. At the time, Rafael was the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) and would put his belt on the line against Conor, then leader of the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg). The two fighters even participated in a press conference to announce the long-awaited clash, however, the Tupiniquim athlete suffered a broken foot and had to be removed from the duel.
Now, however, the Brazilian is willing to reignite the rivalry against the Englishman. He cites achievements in the division to justify that the two could have a great clash in the Ultimate Octagon and believes in the fans' 'appeal' if the fight is rescheduled.
“Conor is a guy who deals the cards. He talks to those who want to fight and it happens. Now, he's digging a fight with (Kamaru) Usman, but I don't think this fight makes sense. He's the star of the event, but he hasn't won a fight in a while. They (UFC) have to give him a fight that he has a good chance of winning. (…) We are the only linear champions in the category among the people who are active. (Dustin) Poirier was interim champion. From the Bronx he won the vacant belt. The only ones who beat champions were Conor and me. I think this fight would have appeal,” he concluded.
History of Dos Anjos
Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.), Rafael dos Anjos He is considered, by many, to be the main Brazilian name in the history of the division. The Brazilian, who has already beaten names like Anthony Pettis, Ben henderson, Nate diaz, Donald Cerrone e Robbie Lawler, has a record of 31 triumphs and 13 setbacks in his professional career.
