Rafael Dos Anjos Talks About His Welterweight Title Aspirations

After his win at UFC Fight Night 111 over Tarec Saffiedine, Rafael Dos Anjos (26-9 MMA, 15-7 UFC) said he is hoping to get a shot at the welterweight title. Here are highlights:

On when he wants to fight again: “I want to fight again before the end of this year. There’s many guys. We have (Donald) Cerrone and Robbie Lawler. Tyron Woodley is fighting Demian Maia for the title. I don’t have anyone in mind, but I want to fight higher-ranked guys, and somebody who leads me to take a step up in the division. I don’t want to go backward.”

On why he moved to welterweight: “It wasn’t even close to what it was to make 155. I can’t say it was easy, but compared to 155, it was easy. I was 180 (pounds) today. But (I was) feeling strong and feeling fast, and that’s what I’m looking for. My health comes first.”

On his win over Saffiedine: “I’ve reached the top, and right now at welterweight, I feel like I have to make some adjustments. I will make those technically and be a better fighter at 170. He was taller, but I didn’t feel he was that strong. I’ve fought at lightweight with guys that were stronger than Tarec. I think I won most of the exchanges. I want to go back home, watch the fight, and always improve.”