UFC Fight Night | KHABIB VS DOS ANJOS SCORECARD

Fight Information: Khabib vs Dos Anjos

The much-anticipated fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Rafael dos Anjos took place at UFC on FOX 11 on April 19, 2014. The event was held at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. This bout was a crucial moment in both fighters’ careers, serving as a stepping stone for the winner towards greater glory in the UFC’s lightweight division. Khabib Nurmagomedov, renowned for his unparalleled grappling and ground-and-pound skills, emerged victorious. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Dos Anjos, marking another chapter in his undefeated legacy. Nurmagomedov utilized his wrestling prowess to dominate Dos Anjos throughout the three-round encounter, ultimately earning all three judges’ nods with scores of 30-27.

Dos Anjos

Rafael dos Anjos, or RDA, has had a storied career marked by resilience and versatility. Born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dos Anjos began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of nine. He transitioned to MMA in 2004 and made his way to the UFC in 2008, debuting against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 91.

RDA’s early UFC tenure was a mixed bag. Initially, he went 4-4 in the organization until finding his stride in 2012. A key turning point came when he adopted a more aggressive fighting style, becoming a relentless pressure fighter with improved striking skills. This transition was evident in his fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 27, where he secured a unanimous decision victory.

Rafael’s career pinnacle came when he defeated Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship. The victory was a unanimous decision, and RDA’s comprehensive approach—mixing striking, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu—overwhelmed Pettis, who was considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

After defending his title against Donald Cerrone, RDA faced Eddie Alvarez and lost the title via TKO in the first round. He then moved up to the welterweight division, where he faced tough competition, including fights against Robbie Lawler and Colby Covington.

RDA’s UFC record as of the time of this article stands at 30 wins and 13 losses, showcasing his longevity and willingness to fight the best in the world across multiple weight classes.

Why did Khabib and Dos Anjos Fight?

The clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Rafael dos Anjos was more than just another entry on the UFC event calendar; it was an encounter that fans and pundits had been eagerly anticipating for multiple reasons. At the time of the fight, both men were carving out their path in the highly competitive UFC lightweight division, which was filled with elite-level talent hungry for a title shot.

Khabib, often known as “The Eagle,” was riding high on the wave of his undefeated record. With an unblemished streak in professional MMA, Khabib was considered a rising force within the UFC, though he still had critics to silence. His grappling-heavy style, characterized by relentless takedowns and suffocating ground control, proved to be difficult for every opponent he’d faced.

On the other hand, Rafael dos Anjos (RDA) was an established contender. He had already faced numerous high-caliber fighters and was viewed as one of the true tests for any rising star in the division. RDA possessed a well-rounded skill set, blending striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which made it challenging for opponents to prepare against him. Before stepping into the octagon against Khabib, Dos Anjos had been on a five-fight winning streak, which included victories over fighters like Anthony Njokuani and Donald Cerrone.

For fans and matchmakers, the fight was seen as a clash of styles—Khabib’s relentless wrestling versus Dos Anjos’s comprehensive MMA game. Furthermore, both fighters were vying for a position that could potentially set them up for a title shot. This added an extra layer of significance to the match, as the winner would not only gain a victory but also valuable momentum in the lightweight division.

Moreover, it was a fight that delineated contrasting narratives. For Khabib, it was about preserving perfection and staking his claim as a legitimate threat to the lightweight crown. For Dos Anjos, it was about halting Khabib’s momentum and proving that he deserved to be in the title conversation.

The bout also attracted significant attention because both fighters represented distinct philosophies and backgrounds within the broader MMA universe. Khabib came from Dagestan, Russia, and was trained under the strict tutelage of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. His background in Sambo and wrestling was different from the conventional Western fighting styles that dominated the UFC scene. Conversely, Dos Anjos hailed from Brazil, the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and was a black belt under Aldo “Caveirinha” Januário in Jiu-Jitsu, making him a formidable ground fighter in his own right.

Ultimately, the fight was an embodiment of what makes MMA captivating—a blend of skills, styles, and narratives that can turn any bout into a must-watch event. The UFC on FOX 11 ensured that fans got to witness a proper contest between two of the most talented fighters in the lightweight division, one that would have lasting impacts on their respective careers.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Dos Anjos

Khabib vs Rafael Dos Anjos full fight Overview

This bout was a highly anticipated matchup featuring two of the UFC’s lightweight division’s elite fighters. Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the octagon undefeated, while Rafael dos Anjos sought to solidify his position as a top contender.

Round 1

The first round was characterized by Khabib’s relentless pursuit of takedowns. While Dos Anjos attempted to utilize his striking and Jiu-Jitsu to keep the fight standing, Khabib succeeded in taking the fight to the ground multiple times. Khabib’s relentless pressure and ground control dominated the course of the round.

Round 2

The second round followed a similar pattern. Khabib continued his assault with effective grappling, neutralizing Dos Anjos’s attempts to mount any significant offense. While RDA had brief moments of success with his striking, Khabib’s wrestling kept him firmly in control.

Round 3

By the third round, Dos Anjos was visibly weary from the grappling exchanges. Khabib maintained his strategy, landing takedowns and controlling the Brazilian on the mat. Dos Anjos tried to use his submission skills, but Khabib’s pressure was too much to overcome.

Official Result: Dos Anjos vs Khabib

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision

The official result of the fight was a unanimous decision victory for Khabib Nurmagomedov. All three judges scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Khabib.

Khabib’s performance was a textbook example of his fighting philosophy—relentless pressure, superior wrestling, and an unyielding ground-and-pound game. He initiated the first takedown within the opening minutes of the first round, quickly establishing his presence and setting the tone for the rest of the fight. Each round saw Khabib executing multiple takedowns, weaving through Dos Anjos’s strikes, and driving him to the mat with consistency. His positional awareness and ability to control his opponent from the top were on full display.

Rafael dos Anjos, despite his best efforts, struggled to counter Khabib’s wrestling-heavy approach. He had brief moments of success on the feet, landing a few significant strikes, but they were insufficient to deter Khabib’s incessant forward momentum. RDA attempted to utilize his Jiu-Jitsu skills to escape and reverse positions, yet Khabib’s grappling acumen proved superior time and again.

By the end of the third round, Khabib had accumulated over 10 minutes of control time, a testament to his dominance. Dos Anjos managed to survive until the final bell but was visibly exhausted and worn from the constant pressure.

This win propelled Khabib further up the lightweight rankings, reinforcing his status as one of the top contenders. It also extended his unbeaten streak and cast a long shadow over the lightweight division, demonstrating that his grappling-centric style could dominate even the most well-rounded opponents.

For Dos Anjos, this fight was a setback on his journey toward a title shot. However, his resilience and willingness to engage against one of the most formidable grapplers were noted, reinforcing his reputation as a gritty competitor willing to take on all challengers.

Conclusion

The clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 11 was a definitive moment for both fighters. Khabib’s unanimous decision victory showcased his grappling superiority and relentless pressure, pushing him closer to title contention. Dos Anjos, despite the loss, demonstrated his resilience and versatility, traits that would continue to serve him well in his career.

This fight encapsulated the essence of MMA—a convergence of diverse fighting styles and backgrounds, creating a compelling narrative that captivated fans globally. Both fighters went on to achieve significant success in their careers, cementing their respective legacies within the sport.

Khabib’s eventual retirement left an indelible mark on the UFC, highlighting his dominance and undefeated streak. Dos Anjos continued to compete at a high level across multiple weight classes, showcasing his adaptability and veteran savvy.

Together, they provided fans with a memorable fight that highlighted the intricacies and excitement of mixed martial arts, contributing to the rich history of the UFC lightweight division.