Pettis admits nervousness, but rules out the possibility of being surprised by Dos Anjos

Pettis (photo) will defend the belt for the second time against Dos Anjos. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

Rafael dos Anjos has impressed the MMA world in recent years with his technical evolution. Coming from the ground game, with sharp jiu-jitsu, the Brazilian won his last fights in the octagon using striking, overcoming names like Benson Henderson and Donald Cerrone with your muay-thai. Even so, the UFC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis, believes that Dos Anjos will not surprise him in the fight between the two, this Saturday (14), which will put the category title at stake.

See too

Rafael dos Anjos warns Pettis: 'He who trains hard beats the talented'

Video: Watch the best moments from the UFC 185 open training session

Video: Anthony Pettis explains step by step the 'Showtime Kick', his trademark

Pettis considers, despite Dos Anjos feeling more confident on his feet, that the Brazilian will try to take him to the ground at some point in the fight. “I don't think anyone wants to take the fight to the ground right away, but as soon as he feels my striking, he'll have to take me to the ground. I hope he tries to take me down at some point in the first round, but I'm smart enough to try to win the rounds”, said the champion, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”.

If Dos Anjos attempts the takedown, Pettis says he is safe with his werestling defensive. “I don't think your wrestling is strong enough to cause me any problems. I have been training with Ben Askren for a long time. He might catch me off guard at some point, which is unlikely, but I don't see him falling for me. If he takes me down, I have my ground game waiting for him”, he guaranteed.

Even though he exudes confidence, Pettis recognizes the Brazilian fighter's qualities. "I admire Rafael dos Anjos – his drive, the fact that he doesn’t give up. I saw his fight against Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and he didn't give up. He beat Cerrone, [Nate] Diaz a lot. So even when I hit him, he'll keep coming up. In addition to being creative, I have to be tricky to avoid getting hit by that left hook or that right,” he said.

In the interview, however, Pettis made an interesting revelation when he admitted that, despite being confident, he feels nervous before his fights. “I'm always nervous. I put too much effort into my training, preparing for the fight, so I have a lot to lose. If this guy beats me, I will lose everything I worked hard to achieve”, he acknowledged.

the fight between Anthony Pettis e Rafael dos Anjos will be the main attraction of UFC 185, in Dallas, United States. If he wins, Dos Anjos will become the first Brazilian in history to become UFC lightweight champion.

[vox id=”29423″]