Returning after a lengthy layoff after winning the 155 pound belt at UFC 164, Pettis cemented his status among the pound-for-pound elite with an impressive submission stoppage of Gilbert Melendez, a former WEC and Strikeforce champion who many believed possessed the skills to dethrone the newly minted Pettis. Hoping to once again prove any naysayers wrong, the champion will defend his title against Rafael dos Anjos; a man who has quietly developed into a serious challenger over the past couple of years.
Since a disappointing split decision defeat at the hands of Gleison Tibau in 2011, dos Anjos had made some significant adjustments to his game. Substantially improving his striking skills, most notably his leg kicks, the Brazilian has since gone on to compile an impressive 8-1 record, with the sole loss coming against Khabib Nurmagomedov, an undefeated Dagestan native who many see as the true number one contender in the lightweight division. Dos Anjos’ career resurgence is no fluke; his commitment to improve and develop in areas other than his considerable ground skills has seen him become a well-rounded contender, fully deserving of his chance at the gold.
Equally as versatile, ‘Showtime’ Pettis is without a doubt one of the most exciting fighters currently competing in the UFC. A black belt in both Taekwondo and Kickboxing, the Duke Roufus prodigy is a killer on the feet, fast, fluid and never afraid to experiment, the champion possesses some of the most effective kicks in the organisation. Pettis may look all flash, but his highlight reel finishes of Danny Castillo, Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone, not to mention his stunning ‘Showtime’ kick knockdown of former title rival Benson Henderson have proven that his skills rank among the world’s best. The champion isn’t a slouch on the ground either. He might not have earned his jiu-jitsu black belt as of yet, but Pettis’ slick submission finishes of the aforementioned Henderson and Melendez have been the reasons why we call this man champion today.
Prediction: Despite arguably having a slight edge on the ground, dos Anjos will have to be mindful of the champion’s ability to quickly lock in a submission from anywhere. Pettis undoubtedly has the advantage on the feet and his speed should see him easily evade his challenger’s leg kicks and dangerous Muay Thai. ‘Rafa’ is definitely one of the finest lightweights in the world, but Pettis on a different level. Expect the champion to drag the fight into the championship rounds, where he will likely finish his fatigued challenger, either with strikes, or another superb submission.
UFC 185 Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:
Flyweight - Chris Cariaso vs. Henry Cejudo
Heavyweight - Roy Nelson vs. Alistair Overeem
Welterweight - Johny Hendricks vs. Matt Brown
Women’s Strawweight Championship - Carla Esparza © vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk
Lightweight Championship - Anthony Pettis © vs. Rafael dos Anjos
PPV Picks 2015 Record (11-4)
What do you think will happen at UFC 185?