Dos Anjos Finally Feels Like He’s Getting the Respect He Deserves

Rafael dos Anjos made one of the biggest lightweight championship upsets in recent memory at UFC 185 when he defeated Anthony Pettis for the gold. Fans and critics alike were, at first, quick to dismiss his victory as a fluke. Others acknowledged the improvements he has made and thinks it’s just hard work paying off.

Enough time has passed, now, that Dos Anjos believes he is getting the respect he actually deserves as champion. “I get noticed by the fans. Finally, I’m getting the respect that I deserve,” Dos Anjos told MMAFighting. Things change around me but not on my mind. I’m training hard and want to defend this belt for a long time.”

Dos Anjos is on track for a return to the octagon in Winter 2015. The champion would like to return to the cage in December, at the soonest as he is still not cleared to train. “Once I’m cleared, I need four months to get ready for the fight. I could do this in three months but I never hurt my knee in my whole life and I’ve never stayed three months without training.”

Once the champion is ready to come back to the octagon, who would you like to see him face? Should Donald Cerrone wait for the winter for him to come back, or do you think he will take another title shot? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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