Tarec Saffiedine V Rafael Dos Anjos: What will go down:

Can 'RDA' find a way back to his brilliant best?

The opening bout on the main card of UFC Fight Night Singapore, sees a scintillating striking affair at Welterweight, between Belgium star Tarec Saffiedine, and Brazilian bruiser Rafael Dos Anjos. Trying his luck at 170lbs for the first time on Saturday, 'RDA' will look to silence his many critics and recover from two consecutive losses, against the veteran 'Sponge'.

Holding the title as the last ever Strikeforce Welterweight champion, the Brussels native is also a black belt in Karate and BJJ, and a respectable red belt in Taekwondo. Saffiedine was unfortunate last time out against 'Stun Gun' Kim, losing a close decision, extending his losing slide to two. A patient striker with fantastic technique, Saffiedine isn't regarded as an extreme powerhouse like maybe a Tyron Woodley, but his experience at Middleweight may cause a physical battle for Dos Anjos.

After he systematically outclassed Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis to claim the Lightweight crown, 'RDA' made light work of now fellow Welterweight Donald Cerrone in the pair's rematch, before missing out on the biggest pay check of his career, when he broke a metatarsal before his main event clash with Conor McGregor. Returning to defend against Philly favourite Eddie Alvarez in July 2016, Dos Anjos was stumbled in the first with a big shot before an onslaught of strikes from 'The Underground King' seen him snatch the title. Headlining The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 3 Finale, alongside Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson, superior timing and precision from the grappler seen Dos Anjos slip up once more. Niterói native Dos Anjos is a Muay Thai black belt under the tutorship of reknowed coach Rafael Cordeiro, and is also capable of a finish from the mat, with 8 submission victories lying comfortably on his résumé.

I think Dos Anjos' aggressive pressure tactic we seen against Pettis would most certainly be a go to against Saffiedine who I wouldn't expect to push the pace, and will most likely prove a success in Singapore.

Rafael Dos Anjos via knockout.


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