R. dos Anjos (photo) should make his first title defense at the end of the year. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Rafael dos Anjos barely won the lightweight belt, with the triumph over Anthony Pettis in March this year, but he is already thinking about the future away from the 70 kg category. In an interview, the Brazilian said that he intends to defend his title a few times and then move up to the welterweight division, where he wouldn't need to cut so much weight to perform.
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“I just won my lightweight belt. I'm looking forward to defending him a few times, and maybe then I'll have some fights in the welterweight division”, said Rafael, in an interview with the podcast “The MMA Road Show”. “I think when I get older, I will get tired of cutting weight. That's my goal. I'm going to defend my title a few times and maybe go to welterweight for some super fights, like the Ben henderson. When you're older, you already know how to fight. You get in there and fight without having the extra stress of cutting weight. It’s my goal for the future,” she added.
Before changing categories, however, Rafael believes he still has something to prove at lightweight, and his first step is to show that he is a legitimate champion. “I want to prove that I’m not a champion by luck. I work hard, and I want to show everyone that I'm one of the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I’m not here to just defend my title, I’m here to stay”, he assured.
After winning the lightweight title, Rafael dos Anjos He remains away from the Octagon while he recovers from knee surgery, which is expected to keep him out of action until the last quarter of this year. According to the president of Ultimate Dana White, Rafael's first challenger will be the American Donaldo “Cowboy” Cerrone.
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