UFC on FOX 26 video recap: Rafael dos Anjos takes dominant decision win over Robbie Lawler

The main event on Fox saw Rafael dos Anjos come through in a big way against the Ruthless one. Details and highlights here.

The main event of the UFC’s latest Fight Night on Fox was a battle between former world champions as Robbie Lawler took on Rafael dos Anjos. On the line was an unofficial status as the top contender to Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. What many felt was a close, pick ‘em fight ended up being a runaway victory for dos Anjos, who took the unanimous decision win, 50-45 across the board. Lawler was all heart - because of course he was, he’s Robbie Lawler. But this was another incredible performance from dos Anjos at 170 pounds where he dominated the former champ.

What was the high point of the fight?

Midway through round 2, dos Anjos got Lawler’s back against the cage and starting unloading on him. And unloading, and unloading, and unloading. For an astounding 23 seconds straight, RDA threw non-stop, landing 48 punches in that period. And Lawler? He rolled with them, took it all, and smiled. Once RDA stopped, Lawler calmly turned him against the cage himself and started landing his own shots. Pure Lawler, and a great moment.

Where do these two go from here?

Robbie Lawler isn’t going anywhere, and he’s the kind of fighter you can never count out, ever. But he was beaten here in a way he hasn’t been beaten since his Strikeforce run 5+ years ago. I don’t see him back in contention sadly. The question is, does he become the veteran gatekeeper taking on the likes of someone like Darren Till, or does he stay in there will the top against perhaps Wonderboy? Time will tell.

Rafael dos Anjos seemingly needs to be next in line for Woodley. That is the fight to make at Welterweight. A possible cog in the works there is Colby Covington, whose personality could hotshot him into a shot at the champ. Plus we don’t yet have a timetable for a Woodley win - if that is taking too long, Covington vs. dos Anjos is possible in the interim. But it feels like an RDA Welterweight title shot is an inevitability. It’s just a question of when.

Watch it now, later, or never?

Later. It wasn’t the non-stop thriller we often get from Ruthless, but it’s a major moment for RDA, and had some big highlights. Worth your time for sure.