R. dos Anjos (photo) rose in the category and won eight of his last nine fights. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Hard work, discipline and impressive technical evolution are the main hallmarks of climbing Rafael dos Anjos until the lightweight belt fight against Anthony Pettis, next Saturday (14). And it is precisely on this that the Brazilian is betting to surprise the talented Pettis, famous for his unpredictability and a wide range of spectacular strikes, in the main fight of UFC 185, in Dallas (USA).
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“I don’t do that kind of kick or somersault (like Pettis). I don't have much skill, but I train hard. And that doesn't bother me. It's a saying they say a lot here (in the USA): those who train hard beat those who are talented. I train hard”, said Rafael, in a chat with the press after the open training sessions this Wednesday (11). “I think I've been improving a lot in recent times, I have the best team with me, a wonderful team, so if I got here it wasn't just my merit, it was everyone's,” he added.
Furthermore, the Brazilian gave his opinion on the fight and said he believes the duel will not reach the regular 25 minutes. “It's difficult to say what the fight will be like, but one thing I'm sure of: this fight won't go to five rounds. I'm well trained for all situations, submission or knockout, and I think showtime (“Showtime”, in reference to Pettis' nickname) will be over. I'm going to bring this first (lightweight) belt to Brazil. The belt has a meeting with me this Saturday. I feel perfect, the hard work has already been done, it is in God's hands. I’ve done my part, now it’s up to Him”, he commented.
At 30, Rafael dos Anjos has a professional record of 23 wins and seven losses. In his last nine fights in the UFC, Rafael has eight victories and only one setback, against the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. Current first place in the lightweight rankings, the Rio native faces Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 in search of the first Brazilian belt in the 70,3 kg category.
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