Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rustam Khabilov targeted for UFC 170
A lightweight bout between Rafael dos Anjos (20-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) and Rustam Khabilov (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been targeted for February’s UFC 170 lineup.
UFC officials haven’t formally announced the bout, though FOXSports.com and MMABoxing.ru report that verbal agreements are in place.
UFC 170 takes place Feb. 22 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and MMAjunkie.
Dos Anjos, who’s ranked No. 13 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings, vs. Khabilov could be part of the PPV lineup.
The Brazilian dos Anjos looks for his sixth straight victory following wins over the likes of Mark Bocek, Evan Dunham and Donald Cerrone. Moving into title contention, dos Anjos, whose past four victories have come via decision, is still looking for a signature career victory against one of the division’s elite competitors.
A win over Khabilov isn’t likely to be one for dos Anjos, but the Russian provides a stiff challenge for the UFC vet. The former M-1 champion, who trains with the likes of American Kickboxing Academy and Team Jackson-Winkeljohn when in the U.S., has won six straight fights. That included a UFC-debut win over Vinc Pichel (via suplex), Yancy Medeiros (who suffered a dislocated thumb) and Jorge Masvidal (in a “Fight of the Night†performance).
