UFC Lightweight Champion, Rafael dos Anjos, is set to defend his title against a streaking Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in December 19 at UFC on FOX 17.
However, after giving Anthony "Showtime" Pettis a beating of a lifetime in his last fight, dos Anjos is still puzzled by the former champ's statement about having an off night and that Pettis would defeat him "nine times out of ten."
"I think he watched a different fight than everybody else," dos Anjos told GNP1 about Pettis. "I just dominated him for five rounds. And I would say different. I would think, if I would fight him ten times, I would win ten times."
Strong words, indeed, coming from the champ.
The Rio de Janeiro native also didn't mince words about Pettis and his coach's excuses following the UFC 185 bout.
"He (Pettis) and his coach said in many interviews, it's good for him because he's gonna keep in shape, you know," he said. "After the fight he said 'it's not helping him get another fight right away.' It's kinda confusing, you know?"
Rafael concluded: "But I think if I fight him ten times, I would beat him ten times."
The UFC Lightweight champ then put the whole Pettis account behind him to recognize the accomplishments of his challenger.
"To do what he (Cerrone) did, winning eight in a row, is not easy," dos Anjos spoke of Cowboy. "But I think I got a good mindset, I think God has been preparing me for all the last years to the championship."
He described himself as a more established competitor both physically and mentally; claiming this will give him the edge in the fight and will help him retain the belt for a considerable amount of time.
In Rafael dos Anjos' mind, this confidence will allow him to face any challenge in the near future whether it is Anthony Pettis, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or even Conor McGregor.