UFC on FOX 13 Results: Rafael dos Anjos Dominates Nate Diaz, Calls for Title Shot
Rafael dos Anjos made a case for himself to be next in line for a lightweight title shot by dominating Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 13 on Saturday in Phoenix.
Diaz missed weight by four pounds at the official weigh-in on Friday. He and dos Anjos had a heated exchange during the customary face offs. Diaz hadn’t competed since November 2013, and dos Anjos welcomed The Ultimate Fighter 5 winner back to the cage with brutality.
Dos Anjos battered Diaz with leg kicks from the sound of the opening bell. By the end of the first round, Diaz had switched stances and was limping.
Diaz tried to establish his jab, but couldn’t get any offense going. He closed the distance in the second frame, and dos Anjos tossed him to the ground. He jump into Diaz’ guard hammered away with punches and elbows.
As the fight wore on, dos Anjos continued to target Diaz’ lead leg. He opened up a cut over Diaz’ right eye. A doctor was called in to check the cut and Diaz’ leg, but allowed 29-year-old to continue.
In the final round, dos Anjos took Diaz down. He landed punches as Diaz looked for an opening for a submission attempt. Diaz peppered dos Anjos with punches and slaps from the bottom as the Brazilian postured up and delivered elbows.
It was a one-sided fight, and dos Anjos was declared the winner by unanimous decision. Two of the three judges scored dos Anjos winning a round 10-8.
“I watched his previous fights. I noticed that he was not blocking any of the kicks at all,” said dos Anjos about his use of leg kicks throughout the fight.
Following the win, dos Anjos called for a title shot against champion Anthony Pettis.
“I’m so happy. I’ve been working hard for the last few years. Please, Dana (White). Please Lorenzo (Fertitta). Give me a title shot. I’m coming off two finishes. I just beat Nate Diaz. I want my chance for the title,” he said.
“I’ve been in the UFC for six years. I’ve had seventeen fights. I want my title shot,” added the No. 3 ranked lightweight.
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