Skip to main content

Rafael Dos Anjos is officially a welterweight contender.

The former lightweight champion put on an impressive — even stunning — performance over the former 170-pound champion Robbie Lawler at UFC Winnipeg. While Lawler once again proved his legendary toughness, Dos Anjos’ leg kicks and forward pressure proved to be too much.

In the end, it went to the judges decision, where all three scored the contest a clean sweep of 50-45 to Dos Anjos. It marks the biggest win for Dos Anjos since moving to welterweight earlier this year. He could well face Tyron Woodley for the UFC welterweight title sometime in 2018.

“I’m just happy, you know, Ive been in this game so long, it’s a pleasure to fight a warrior like Robbie,” dos Anjos said post-fight.

“In my opinion I just beat the toughest guy in the division I think I deserve [a title shot] because of my history,” he continued. “I have been in the UFC 10 years already and I think I did enough to deserve the title shot.”