The former UFC lightweight champion extended his win streak in the welterweight division with a unanimous decision victory over the weight class’ former ruler, Robbie Lawler, in the main event of UFC on Fox 26, which took place in Winnipeg, Canada in the early hours of the morning.
Dos Anjos, who has looked rejuvenated since leaving the 155lbs division, dominated Lawler from the outset with his constant pressure and brutal leg kicks.
The Brazilian managed to avoid getting into a brawl with Lawler by keeping his distance and repeatedly landing from outside of the pocket, which resulted in all three judges scoring the contest 50-45 in his favour.
Victory over Lawler was dos Anjos’ third in six months and has well and truly put him in the welterweight title picture.
And he reckons it should see him handed the next crack at 170lbs champ Tyron Woodley.
“In my opinion, I just beat the toughest guy in the division I think I deserve it because of my history,” dos Anjos said.
“I have been in the UFC 10 years already and I think I did enough to deserve the title shot.”
The penultimate card of the year also saw Josh Emmett, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Glover Teixeira pick up victories, defeating Ricardo Lamas, Mike Perry and Misha Cirkunov respectively.
UFC on Fox 26 results
Main card
Rafael dos Anjos def. Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision – 50-45, 50-45, 50-45
Josh Emmett def. Ricardo Lamas via KO (punch) – Round 1, 4:33
Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Mike Perry unanimous decision
Glover Teixeira def. Misha Cirkunov via TKO (punch) – Round 1, 2:45
Prelims
Jan Blachowicz def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Julian Marquez def. Darren Stewart via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2, 2:14
Chad Laprise def. Galore Bofando via first-round TKO (punches) Round 1, 4:10
Nordine Taleb def. Danny Roberts via KO (punches) Round 1, 0:59
John Makdessi def. Abel Trujillo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alessio Di Chirico def. Oluwale Bamgbose via KO (knee) Round 2, 2:14
Jordan Mein def. Erick Silva via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)