UFC Fight Night Lawler vs. Dos Anjos preview: Two former champions put it all on the line in Winnipeg

Former champions clash in Winnipeg, Canada, this weekend, as two experienced veterans put it on the line for a crack at the 175lb title.

Rafael Dos Anjos has only had two fights in the welterweight division but in a solid debut against Tarec Saffiedine and a first round submission over Neil Magny, he has positioned himself against Dos Anjos in a contender fight in a very short time. Magny is a tall, well-rounded fighter and Saffiedine is an excellent striker with good takedown defence. Two tough tests for a former lightweight champion to see where he stacks up against the top 10 in the division above, and Dos Anjos passed with flying colours.

Now it’s time to step up once more and the next level is “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, the former welterweight champion and one of the most respected and seasoned fighters in the sport. He showed up in the Octagon 15 years ago as a tough 20 year old brawler with natural power and a lot of potential.

At this stage in his career he was still a raw talent, but fighting out of the renowned Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa he was improving fast. Alongside greats like Matt Hughes, Jens Pulver and Spencer Fisher, it was the perfect place for a young fighter to learn his trade.

After amassing a UFC record of 4-3, taking him to 8-3 overall, his martial arts journey took him on a tour of the other big promotions around the world. That experience proved invaluable, and following appearances in Pride, EliteXC and Strikeforce, the ruthless one returned to his old stomping grounds and re-signed with the UFC.

Almost 10 years since his last fight in the Octagon, Lawler made his presence known at UFC 157 in February 2013, knocking out Josh Koscheck in devastating fashion. By the end of 2013 he had three impressive victories and was set to face Johny Hendricks in the new year. In what turned out to be ‘Fight of the Year’ in March 2014, Lawler lost a hard-fought five round decision, but was back in title contention by December and was successful in the title rematch.

In his first defence, at UFC 189, he not only retained his world title, but also his ‘Fight of the Year’ title. This time it was against Rory MacDonald in what was one of the most incredible fights I’ve ever watched. I actually have a photo from the fifth round on my home gym wall to inspire me during my own training sessions. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend that you check it out.

Needless to say Lawler is one of the few fighters that achieved ‘legend status’ whilst still active. He lost the title last year to current champ, Tyron Woodley, but got back in the win column with a tough three-rounder against Donald Cerrone at UFC 214 this summer. This fight is his opportunity to get back to the top of the division and a win here gets him half way there.

I feel like Rafael Dos Anjos brings some new challenges to Robbie and I am intrigued as to how this fight will play out. Coming up from lightweight, Dos Anjos will be slightly undersized, giving up three to four inches in height and reach. What he lacks in stature though, he makes up for in work rate and aggression. Typical of the Rafael Cordeiro style of Muay Thai, Dos Anjos commands the centre of the Octagon with good hand combinations and punishing low kicks. Adding in clinch work and takedowns, he reminds his opponents that a ground assault is also an option, making them more jumpy when he moves forward.

He is a skilled technician in all ranges, but will have to be cautious of that single punch knockout ability when closing in. Lawler learned early on what his gifts are and he built his whole game around them. Over a 15 year career he has honed those skills to the point where he was the best in the world in his weight class and he still feels like he can prove that status once more.

For Dos Anjos it is about breaking a record and realising a dream. A win here gives him the opportunity to be the first Brazilian two-weight champion and add his name to a very exclusive page in the history books. They both have about as much experience as each other and they will both need to draw on that to get the victory this weekend and move on to the title attempt.

This card is loaded with talent, from the first fight to the main event. Kicking off the preliminary card we have the UK’s own Danny Roberts, taking on a very durable and strong Nordine Taleb.

Then the main card begins with Misha Cirkunov and Glover Teixeira, both trying to gain ground in the busy light-heavyweight top 10. The co-main between Emmett and Lamas will be a great scrap but the firecracker on the night will be Santiago Ponzinibbio against “Platinum” Mike Perry. Both are knockout artists with a lot of momentum behind them. I’m fascinated to see who rises to the occasion and moves on, and who is left to regroup.

Watch UFC Fight Night: Lawler vs. Dos Anjos live on BT Sport 3 from 10pm GMT on Saturday, December 16 or catch the Early Prelims exclusively on UFC Fight Pass from 9pm