Rafael dos Anjos will look to get back into the win column this Saturday night (May 18, 2019) when he welcomes Kevin Lee to the Welterweight division at UFC Fight Night 152 in Rochester, NY.
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It’s been rough go as of late of “RDA,” who has lost two straight fights against Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman in a highly-talented 170-pound division. But before the Brazilian bomber was showing off his skills at Welterweight, he enjoyed major success as a Lightweight.
Prior to “RDA” winning the 155-pound strap in 2015, he had to go through a gauntlet of talented fighters including former division champion Benson Henderson. The two men squared off in the center of the cage way back in 2014 in the main event of UFC Fight Night 49.
From the jump, it was clear that Rafael was the faster and crisper striker of the two, connecting on “Smooth” with seemingly everything he threw. In the middle of the opening frame, dos Anjos clipped Benson with a sneaky left hand that rocked the ex-champ, though he tried his best to play it off.
Smelling blood, “RDA” picked up the pace and eventually clipped Benson with a well-timed flying knee that sent him crumbling to the mat. After attempting to shake it off and getting back to his feet, Benson was the recipient of a crushing left hand that once again put him on his butt, forcing the referee to put an end to the fight, though “Smooth” was quick to contest the stoppage.
Two fights later, Rafael was crowned the UFC 155-pound champion.
Now, “RDA” will look to end his skid and attempt to start another win streak against the always-tough Lee in Rochester. A win will go a long way to helping the Brazilian power-puncher mount another hunt to the championship.
To see who else is fighting at UFC Fight Night 152: “Dos Anjos vs Lee” click here.