UFC Fight Night 90: 5 keys to victory for Rafael dos Anjos

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December 19, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Rafael Dos Anjos moves in with punches against Donald Cerrone during UFC Fight Night at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Push the pressure

Rafael dos Anjos is at his best when he is creating pressure on his opponent. Whether it be with his world-class kicks to close the distance or controlling the fight by forcing his opponent towards the cage, dos Anjos thrives when he is applying the pressure to the other fighter as it gives him the mental edge.

Throughout dos Anjos recent five fight win streak, the Brazilian has controlled every one of his opponents with relentless striking pressure. Eventually wearing them out and securing either a finish or a decision victory. Whether it was Jason High, Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis or Donald Cerrone, the same story unfolded. Rafael dos Anjos winning after breaking the spirit of the opponent.

With Eddie Alvarez now stepping up as dos Anjos’ next challenger, don’t expect the champion to drift away from a winning formula. Plan A for dos Anjos will always be to pressure his opponent into submission through his violent striking and it will be expected that the same outcome will unfold in this fight with dos Anjos pegged as the heavy favorite.

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