Anthony Pettis-Rafael dos Anjos Lightweight Title Clash Set for UFC 185 in Dallas

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Rafael dos Anjos will get the next shot at the lightweight title when he challenges reigning champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 in Dallas.

Promotion officials announced the matchup on Saturday. UFC 185 takes place at the American Airlines Arena on March 14. The Las Vegas-based promotion last visited Dallas for UFC 171 in March 2013, when Johny Henricks decisioned Robbie Lawler to capture the vacant welterweight strap.

The 30-year-old dos Anjos has won eight of his last nine bouts, with his only loss coming to fellow 155-pound contender Khabib Nurmagomedov. Following the Brazilian’s most recent victory over Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 13, promotion boss Dana White said dos Anjos would likely receive the next title shot with Nurmagomedov currently on the mend from a knee injury.

Pettis returned to the Octagon for the first time in more than a year at UFC 181 on Dec. 6, when he submitted ex-Strikeforce ruler Gilbert Melendez with a guillotine choke 1:53 into the second round. The Roufusport standout has also bested Benson Henderson, Donald Cerrone, Joe Lauzon and Jeremy Stephens during his promotional tenure.