Rafael dos Anjos x Colby Covington fight for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 224

dos Anjos (left) must face Covington (right) for the interim belt. Photo: SL MMAPress Assembly

All that's left is the official announcement! But the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos and the North American Colby covington will compete for the interim welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg.) at UFC 224, an event that takes place on May 12, in Rio de Janeiro. Ultimate had already planned the creation of the interim title, in March, with only the athletes signing the contract. But this week, both Rafael and Covington sealed the duel.

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The creation of the interim welterweight belt began due to the champion's inactivity Tyron woodley, who last fought in July 2017. The American has made it difficult for him to return to the Octagon. He refused to face dos Anjos, guaranteed as the next challenger, and asked for a fight against Nate diaz, which is outside the division rankings. He recently underwent shoulder surgery, which will further delay his return.

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The fight

Rafael dos Anjos, who has a professional record of 28 wins and nine losses, is a former lightweight champion and is ranked second in the welterweight category. If the fight for the interim title is confirmed, the Brazilian will have the chance to make history at home. He could become the first athlete in the country, and the fifth in the world, to win the UFC belt in two different divisions. So far only B.J. PennRandy Couture Conor McGregor e Georges St Pierre achieved this feat.

In turn, Covington must encounter a hostile environment in Brazil. The last time he performed in the country, when he defeated Demian Maia No. UFC Sao Paulo, last October, the North American provoked the fans and went so far as to say that 'Brazilians were dirty animals'. The 30-year-old fighter has a record of 13 wins and just one loss.

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UFC 224

UFC 224 will feature a women's bantamweight title fight between Amanda nunes e Rachel Pennington. In another highly anticipated duel, the Brazilians Vitor belfort e Lyoto Machida they fight former champions of the night. Names like: Ronaldo Jacare, John Lineker and Thales leites are also confirmed on the show.