R. dos Anjos (left) greets B. Henderson (right) after staring. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
This Saturday (23), in Tulsa (USA), the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos, who has 15 fights experience in Ultimate, will make his first main event as an athlete in the organization at UFC Fight Night 49. However, before his debut, this Friday (22) Rafael had to go through the scales together with his opponent, the former lightweight champion Ben henderson. Despite the challenge that could even be worth a shot at the belt, the athletes' atmosphere during the weigh-in and face-off was quite respectful, as had been happening since the preparation period.
The first athlete to step onto the scale was Rafael dos Anjos, which weighed 70,3 kg. Soon after, it was time to Ben henderson. The former champion used the tolerance limit for fights that are not worth the title and showed up at 70,5 kg. Immediately after passing through the scales, the athletes looked at each other very respectfully and greeted each other in a very friendly way.
Shortly after reaching weight, Rafael commented on his sequence of recent fights. “This was the third fight in four months. But it gets easier, because you stay in shape. And it wouldn’t be possible without my wife, because she’s always helping with my diet,” Rafael said to the “Combate” channel. “I'm in no rush (to fight for the belt), but this is certainly a very important fight. So, I am well trained and have a positive mindset”, he added.
Brazilians make weight and confirm their fights
Back in the UFC and with three victories since returning to the biggest MMA organization on the planet, the former middleweight title challenger Thales leites He passed well on the scales and Frenchman Francis Carmont is confirmed in the fight. Thales reached the 84 kg limit while Carmont took advantage of his tolerance for fights that are not worth the belt and showed up at 84,2 kg.
Another athlete from Brazil on the main card of the night is newcomer Valmir Bidu. Valmir weighed 70,3 kg and guaranteed his presence in the duel against James Vick, who weighed 70,2 kg. The Nova União athlete has won 11 consecutive victories and is looking for his first UFC triumph this Saturday (23).
First Brazilian to step on the stage set up at the BOK Center, in Tulsa (USA), Wilson reis He had no difficulty reaching 56,5 kg and staying within the flyweight category limit. At the limit of the division, Wilson confirmed the duel against North American newcomer Joby Sanchez, who weighed 56,7 kg. The duel opens the preliminary card of the night.
MAIN CARD
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Benson Henderson (70,5 kg) x Rafael dos Anjos (70,3 kg);
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jordan Mein (77,2 kg) x Mike pyle (70,3 kg);
Average weight (up to 84 kg): Francis Carmont (84,2 kg) x Thales leites (84 kg);
Combined weight*: Max Holloway (67,9 kg) x Clay Collard (67,9 kg);
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): James Vick (70,2 kg) x Valmir Bidu (70,3 kg);
Lightweight (up to 66 kg): Chas Skelly (66 kg) x Tom Niinimaki (65,8 kg).
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Neil Magny (77,4 kg) x Alex Garcia (77,1 kg);
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Beneil Dariush (70,5 kg) x Tony Martin (70,3 kg);
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Aaron Phillips (61,3 kg) x Matt Hobar (61,2 kg);
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ben Saunders (77,1 kg) x Chris Heatherly (77,1 kg);
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Wilson reis (56,5 kg) x Joby Sanchez (56,7 kg).
* The original opponent of Max Holloway, Ernest Chavez, was injured and Clay Collard was called up at the last minute for the fight and would not have time to cut weight.
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