Former UFC Lightweight Champion champion is looking to reboot his career on Saturday as the co-main event on the UFC Fight Night 166 card.
Rafael Dos Anjos (29-12, 18-10 UFC) will share the octagon against as submission expert in Michael Chiesa (16-4, 8-4 in UFC). Chiesa is a dangerous opponent and Dos Anjos made that clear during open workout interview during fight week.
“Michael is a dangerous opponent. He coming off 2 great victories in Carlos Condit and Diego Sanchez. He usually competes in a lightweight but he’s coming up a division. I will more than welcome him to the division”.
Dos Anjos moved to welterweight after a successful stint at the lightweight division but hasn’t had the success he imagined. He has been 4-3 in the division with his most recent win against Kevin Lee last year but wants to rebound back.
“2018 I fought for the title and last year was 1 win and 1 loss. I’m looking forward to fighting in January and 2020 will be a good year. I will be active and look to have at least 3 fights”.
There have been talks about what this fight can do for Dos Anjos. He is ranked #5 and Chiesa is not even ranked in the top 15.
“Masvidal is #4. All of the other guys ahead (Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards) all beat me. Coming off a loss I don’t have the right to call anyone out. I’m looking for a win to get my confidence back”.
Michael Chiesa has 11 wins in his MMA career by submission and has terrific jui-jitsui which Dos Anjos took note of. However, Dos Anjos believes he knows every move of his opponent.
“It’s no surprise he will try to tie me up and use body locks like he always does. I need to make sure I don’t get caught with any shots in the standup. I need to bring my A-game. He bring great jui jitsu and submissions. I need to defend and attack. If the fight goes to the ground I feel confident”.
UFC Fight Night 166 features a headliner between heavyweight stars Curtis Blaydes and Junior Dos Santos. The card kicks of at 8 pm ET live from the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.