Rafael dos Anjos just posted one of the most impressive performances of his career at UFC on Fox 17. Normally, as the champion, that would call for the usual “this was the best camp of my career, thanks to my whole team” or maybe even a “Donald Cerrone was a worthy contender, but I’m keeping this belt for a long time.”
But this isn’t a normal time in the lightweight champ’s career. This was his first fight during the Conor McGregor Era, and that warranted a special call-out. After roughing up Cerrone in the main event Saturday, dos Anjos showed who his eyes were focused on next, per MMAFighting.com:
Dos Anjos: Hey, Mr. McGregor, this is my division. I’ll fight you in Brazil, Ireland. You better stay at featherweight.
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) December 20, 2015
Dos Anjos, despite encouraging McGregor not to fight him, made it clear that his eyes are set squarely on the new featherweight champion. It’s hard to blame him, too.
There is a pileup of contenders at 155 pounds, but few are especially big draws. Tony Ferguson would be an interesting challenge, but Ferguson is an unknown to the public at large. Eddie Alvarez is a good fighter and a unique stylistic matchup, but again, that fight lands either on Fox or as a co-main event to a bigger title fight.
A bout with McGregor, however, is a potential 1 million-buy affair that could raise his star to new heights. While he played coy at the post-fight presser, alluding to the fact that he isn’t all that concerned with the Irish striker, the fact he started talking about him unprovoked in the post-fight interview speaks for itself:
“I don’t think it’s a smart decision for him, but if he (McGregor) wants to come I’ll be more than happy to welcome him.” – dos Anjos
— Nathan McCarter (@McCarterN) December 20, 2015
Whether or not the fight with McGregor happens remains to be seen. The UFC will likely push for McGregor to defend his 145-pound title opposite Frankie Edgar or in a rematch with Jose Aldo. As for McGregor, his eyes were most likely set on the more popular Cerrone more so than dos Anjos.
Still, anything is possible these days. Keep an eye out for news on both men over the coming weeks.
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