Rafael Dos Anjos is in the zone ahead of his UFC Raleigh bout, looking for a monster year in 2020 by sticking to his principals of hard work and trusting the process.
Raleigh, NC — “I am happy to be fighting in January,” Rafael dos Anjos said ahead of his UFC Raleigh bout this weekend. “Looking to be active this year, more active at least three fights.” At the open workouts this week, RDA was adamant about this statement and repeated it multiple times.
Speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press on Wednesday, ‘RDA’ seemed extremely focused and honed in while talking about his fight career, opponents and making his way to the top of the welterweight division.
Keeping active was definitely the main theme of this conversation, as Dos Anjos really wants to bounce back from last year, a year he wasn’t exactly proud of. Between moving and kids, 2019 was a hectic year for Rafael Dos Anjos. So finding his groove in a fight this early in the year is important as it could set up a huge year for Dos Anjos and get momentum onto his side.
Dos Anjos acknowledged that opponent Michael Chiesa has skills on the ground but he also expressed how important it is to make sure every single aspect of his game is on point: “The fight starts standing … I got to make sure that I don’t get caught with any shots – open my eyes and see everything— but what he brings is good jiu-jitsu, [and] he’s got some good submissions.”
“I don’t pay attention to rankings anymore. Back in the days everybody fought everybody so we don’t have those [rankings] you know?” Dos Anjos remarked, referring to his fight with Chiesa and where they might stand in the weight class. “My opponent is coming off two good victories… I am happy to welcome him to the division.” Dos Anjos seemed ready and eager for the upcoming challenge but also relaxed and focused at the same time. Come Saturday, in the co-main event, we’ll know if his hard work has paid off.
Rafael Dos Anjos faces Michael Chiesa in the co-main event of UFC Raleigh, this Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The card airs live on ESPN+ (TSN in Canada).
