MANILA, Philippines - Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos pulled off a shock unanimous victory over Anthony Pettis to snare the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight crown in the UFC 185 in Dallas, Texas Saturday.
Never given a chance against the defending champion, the 30-year-old dos Anjos silenced his doubters with a masterful performance that gained all the three judges’ nod via identical scores of 50-45 to improve to 24-7 (win-loss).
“It’s such an amazing blessing,” said dos Anjos during post-fight interview. “I came from the bottom. I couldn’t ever imagine in my life being here, fighting in a main event and being UFC champion.”
Pettis, who grabbed the crown after a first round submission win over former title-holder Benson Henderson in UFC 164 in Milwaukee two years ago, said he couldn’t see after his one eye was shut by a crisp left hand by dos Anjos.
He fell to 18-3.
“He caught me with a left hand in the first round and I couldn’t see out of my right eye the whole time,” said the 28-year-old Pettis in a UFC.com story. “No excuses the dude’s a monster, I’m gonna go back to the gym and train.”
Johnny Hendricks beat Matt Brown via unanimous decision to post his first win since losing his welterweight title to Fil-Am Robbie Lawler in UFC 181 last December.
In another anticipated bout, Allistair Overeem bested Roy Nelson also via unanimous decision in their heavyweight clash.