What a way to end the year.
Rafael dos Anjos will make his first lightweight title defense against Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17 on Dec. 19 in Orlando, according to a report from FOX Sports. It’s the first time the 155-pound belt has been on the line on FOX since April 20, 2013 when Benson Henderson fought Gilbert Melendez in San Jose.
Dos Anjos (24-7) won the title from Anthony Pettis in a dominant unanimous decision performance at UFC 185 in March. The Brazilian star has won four fights in a row. Dos Anjos, 30, has already beaten Cerrone once and also owns wins over Henderson and Nate Diaz. He trains out of Kings MMA under famed coach Rafael Cordeiro.
Cerrone (28-6, 1 NC) earned a shot at the belt when he beat John Makdessi via second-round TKO at UFC 187 in May. “Cowboy” has won eight straight fights, including victories over Henderson, Myles Jury and Eddie Alvarez. This will be the popular Cerrone’s first title shot in the UFC and first overall since he fought Henderson in 2010 in WEC.
No other fights have been announced for UFC on FOX 17. It will be the second UFC on FOX card in Orlando in as many years and the second time in a row and title will be defended on the network television channel. T.J. Dillashaw beat Renan Barao by fourth-round TKO at UFC on FOX 16 on July 25.