Fansided

UFC 185 results: Rafael dos Anjos dominates Anthony Pettis to win lightweight championship by unanimous decision

ByMike Dyce|

The main event of UFC 185 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas saw UFC lightweight champion put his belt on the line against Rafael dos Anjos. For Pettis, this fight marks his second title defense since defeating Benson Henderson to win the belt at UFC 164 back in his home town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in August of 2013.

More from MMA

Pettis has had some bouts with injuries that kept him out of action for roughly 15 months winning the belt, but this marks his second fight in a little over three months. Dos Anjos came into the fight with a little bit less rest, having fought and defeated Nate Diaz the week after Pettis’ title defense in December at UFC 181.

Dos Anjos also carries a three-fight win streak that stretches back to June of 2014 into the bout. He won two fights by TKO or KO before going the distance with Diaz in December.

Play-by-play of the bout below:

Round 1: Pettis and Dos Anjos traded kicks to open the fight. Pettis coming out first with a pair before Dos Anjos took over as the aggressor. Dos Anjos caught a punch from Pettis but responded with a big jab to the chin that seemed to rock Pettis a bit. Pettis held on and weathered the Dos Anjos pressure, going for a flying knee at one point. Pettis failed with a spinning back kick as he circled the outside of the Octagon. Pettis seemed to settle in and land some combinations, but caught another hard shot from Dos Anjos. Pettis appeared to be warming up and landed some but swings of his own and take control of the fight. Dos Anjos went in and grabbed Pettis by the waist and took him down against the fence. The round ended with Pettis getting back to his feet and Dos Anjos sneaking in a few more shots. FanSided Scorecard: 10-9 Dos Anjos

Round 2: Dos Anjos came to Pettis to start the round but Pettis landed some shots, seeming to try and avoid being held to the outside along the fence. Dos Anjos got Pettis in the corner and looked for a clinch, before abandoning and trying for the take down. Dos Anjos locked in the double under hooks and went for a knee. Pettis began to bleed from the eye brow above his swollen right eye. Pettis turned it up a notch landing some strikes, but Dos Anjos weathered it and got Pettis to the ground. Dos Anjos and Pettis jockeyed on the ground, with Dos Anjos going for some ground and pound as Pettis tried to avoid the blows. Dos Anjos was also bleeding from his right ear. FanSided Scorecard: 10-9 Dos Anjos

Round 3: Anthony Pettis came out with some kicks and some strikes. He caught Dos Anjos with some over hands and seemed to have control of the mat for a second. The round was stopped for an inadvertent eye poke. Pettis landed a head kick when action resumed and seemed to be finding his groove. Dos Anjos got a hold of Pettis and pinned him against the cage. Pettis was on the defensive as Dos Anjos landed another take down and had him pinned against the cage. Pettis tried to get up but Dos Anjos got him down again, this time managing to get to Pettis back and landing some hammer fists as Pettis hung on to end the round. FanSided Scorecard: 10-9 Dos Anjos

Round 4: Pettis threw some jabs to keep Dos Anjos at bay, looking for his opportunity. Dos Anjos backed Pettis to the fence and found himself fighting off another takedown. Dos Anjos got Pettis off the cage and slammed him to his back. Dos Anjos got in side control and then went for a kimura and Pettis was clinging on to avoid it. Pettis was able to escape it. Dos Anjos was able to get Pettis back and went for a rear naked choke, but Pettis got out of it and was able to spin around and take down Dos Anjos. Pettis had Dos Anjos standing and pinned against the cage. Dos Anjos was able to land some knees before getting out and pinning Pettis against the cage and locking in double under hooks. Dos Anjos ended the round with a flurry and a knee that came right as the horn sounded. FanSided Scorecard: 10-9 Dos Anjos

Round 5: Pettis wasn’t as aggressive as he should’ve been to start the round, waiting for an opportunity to open up. He went for a kick but Dos Anjos caught his foot and pushed him against the cage once again. Dos Anjos got Pettis to the mat and in side control and dropped a couple of elbows. Dos Anjos seemed content to control Pettis with grappling. Pettis got back to his feet and began to throw some strikes, but rather cautiously. A Dos Anjos flying knee backed Pettis against the cage and he took Pettis to the mat once again. Pettis was focusing on Dos Anjos arm going for a submission attempt, but Dos Anjos successfully defended him. Dos Anjos got Pettis from behind and Pettis was left to try and defend the submission attempt as the round ended. FanSided Scorecard: 10-9 Dos Anjos

Official result: Rafael dos Anjos defeats Anthony Pettis via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

UFC 185 results:

Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided.com throughout the night for the latest news and results from UFC 185.

More from FanSided