Rafael dos Anjos at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale – Nov. 30, 2018
Usman’s dominant win over Maia demanded that he face a top contender in his next fight, and he was matched against former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, where he served up a repeat of his performance in Santiago with another dominant victory over world-class opposition.
Usman’s ability to take the fight to the ground almost at will proved too much for the seasoned dos Anjos, who had no answer to “The Nigerian Nightmare’s” strength and power as he bossed the matchup throughout. One scorecard bizarrely rated it as a close matchup, but most observers saw a near-shutout performance from Usman, with one judge even giving him two 10-8 rounds in a controlled, clinical performance that proved his championship credentials as he earned scores of (50-43, 49-45, 48-47
“I’m a man on a mission,” he said after the win, before staking his claim for a title shot. “Tonight I hope I showed that not only can I go five rounds, I can dominate, and I’m next in line for that welterweight strap.”
The UFC matchmakers agreed, and he was given a title shot in his next bout.
Watch Kamaru Usman vs. Rafael dos Anjos on UFC Fight Pass
Next up: Reaching the summit
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