UFC Fight Night Rafael Dos Anjos vs Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone: A lot has changed since their first fight, writes Dan Hardy

This week, British UFC welterweight and UFC commentator, Dan Hardy, takes a look at the last UFC event of the year as the lightweight belt goes on the line in Florida

Rafael dos Anjos of Brazil punches Anthony Pettis (Josh Hedges/ Zuffa LLC)

After such a huge week of fights around UFC 194, it would be easy to think that the year is over for big events. Fret not though, as this weekend we have a lightweight world title fight between two of the most determined and experienced fighters in the division, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. This will also be a rematch – two years after their first bout – and a lot has changed.

Upon signing with the UFC in 2008, Rafael Dos Anjos had a professional record of 11-2, coming off nine straight victories. His debut however, did not go according to plan and he got knocked out by Jeremy Stephens in the third round. He then went on to lose again in his second outing in the Octagon, putting his UFC contract in a very precarious position. Since then though, he has fought 16 more times, leaving in defeat on only three occasions and of course claiming the belt along the way.

His record tells a story of struggle and triumph. Of a fighter who has sometimes fallen short, but who has always come back stronger, carving out a career in the UFC's busiest division and battling his way to the world title in the process. At UFC 185 in March of this year, he faced then champion Anthony Pettis. In a ‘Performance of the Night’ award winning fight, Dos Anjos shut Pettis down for five rounds. He demonstrated a well-rounded game, transitioning smoothly from striking to grappling, and outclassed Pettis throughout.


 Donald Cerrone punches John Makdessi
 (Josh Hedges/ Zuffa LLC)

Now, in his first title defence, he will attempt to fend off a man who has battled equally as hard. Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone is riding an eight fight win streak against some of the best the division has to offer. His last loss was back in 2013, and was a hard fought decision loss to the man he will face again this weekend. This is his opportunity to not only get some payback and add another good win to his current streak, but to become the world champion in the process.

Known better as 'Cowboy', Cerrone is a tall Muay Thai fighter with a sharp and diverse set of skills. Before his MMA career he amassed an undefeated professional Thai boxing record of 28-0, with 18 first round knock outs. His ground game had been underestimated for a long time, but with submission wins over the likes of Evan Dunham and Edson Barboza, opponents now know that it won't be easy at any range.

Since his last loss Cowboy has stayed active and has not stopped improving. But the same can be said of the champion, and his capturing of the title was done in a very impressive manner. But has the champion still got Cowboy’s number or will the challenger show that it’s now his time to wear that UFC gold? Come Saturday night in Florida, we’ll have our answer.

The supporting cast for this main event include two heavy-hitting heavyweights, as former champion Junior dos Santos takes on Dutch kickboxer, Alistair Overeem. The other one to watch out for, in my view, is another lightweight bout as the ever-confident Nate Diaz jumps back in at the deep end on his return to face Michael Johnson. It's an important night in the lightweight bracket, and given that Conor McGregor just put the division on standby pending his move, many will be watching to see what fight he may be stepping into. I'll be watching live and I hope you can join me – the early prelims will be on Fight Pass from 8.30pm, with the prelims and main card following on BT Sport from 10pm.