Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Rafael dos Anjos will look to get back into the win column and collect his second straight win for the first time in a long time this Saturday night (July 18, 2019) when he faces Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC on ESPN 4 in San Antonio, Texas.
Before then, let’s take a look back at the night dos Anjos defended he Lightweight title against Donald Cerrone. Back in 2016, Rafael stepped into the Octagon for the first time as champion after winning the title by out-lasting Anthony Pettis nine months prior.
In his was a hungry “Cowboy,” who was partaking in his first-ever UFC world title fight and was eager to get a taste of gold. Coming in with eight straight wins, Cerrone was determined to knock off dos Anjos before he could get a title defenses under his belt.
Unfortunately for “Cowboy,” it didn’t pan out that way, as Rafael took it to him in the standup department, which isn’t the easiest thing to do. But after connecting with a solid kick to the midsection, dos Anjos had Donald stunned. From there, the Brazilian bomber didn’t let off, piling on the strikes to a visibly hurt foe that had no other option but to retreat.
After weathering the initial onslaught, Cerrone tried for a takedown, but dos Anjos was able to stuff it and get good position to unleash some hellaciious ground-and-pound to force a stoppage. Rafael went on to lose the title in his next fight to Eddie Alvarez.
Now, the Brazilian bomber will look to put an end to Edwards’ seven-fight win streak in hopes of getting back into the mix of what is a very crowded Welterweight division.
To see the full UFC on ESPN 4: “dos Anjos vs Edwards” fight card click here.