Orlando, FL – UFC welterweight Bryan Barberena continues his legends fighting tour as he takes on former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Orlando on Saturday night at Amway Center.
Barberena (18-8) is riding a three-fight win streak that includes wins over Matt Brown and Robbie Lawler respectively. Now he gets dos Anjos across from him in the octagon.
“I was really excited (when I got RDA’s name) you know I pitched his name in there along with a bunch of other guys. Actually pitched other guys at first of guys I’d like to fight. Then I seen that he was moving up to welterweight so I threw it in there. They said they would see what they can do or whatever, you know, work on a matchup,” Barberena told the media on Wednesday.
“Hadn’t heard back for a while and then the fight was announced so. Pumped though, you know, I verified with them. I think they knew pretty much like yes, yes I’ll take the fight. I’m really glad it’s happening.”
Dos Anjos (31-14) had previously said that he was now looking for exciting matchups and Barberena was hoping to be the one to meet him in the octagon.
“He said he was looking for an exciting fight, I definitely am that. Pumped to get in there and mix it up with him,” he said.
Following a successful run at lightweight where he captured the UFC 155 pound title, dos Anjos moved up to welterweight to attempt a run at the division crowd. A mixed bag of results against some of the best welterweights in the world forced to return to lightweight.
After a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev in July and with the championship window seemingly closed dos Anjos announced his return to welterweight where he looks for exciting fights.
“I’m expecting the very best and nothing less. I’m expecting the best RDA, he’s coming back up to welterweight. I’m expecting he’ll be like refueled, feeling better than ever, not having to make the cut to 55 and like you said he’s fought the best in the division. I want to go in there and take it to him you know,” Barberena said.
“Show him that, you know, I’m right there for him. I got everything for him, I could answer everything he wants to try to set up, and I’m ready to go.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Bryan Barberena above. Barberena takes on Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Orlando on Dec.3rd at Amway Center.
