By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Josh Hedges

Facing a tough opponent at UFC Fight Night 18, Rafael dos Anjos did a good job, but lost the 15 minutes battle against Tyson Griffin in the judges decision. Earning $ 30 thousand for the fight of he night bonuses, the Gracie Fusion athlete spoke with TATAME.com about the fight.

"The fight was good, the best of the night. The guys (of the UFC) liked it, thanks God", said Rafael, praising his opponent. "Tyson is very strong, hard to lock in the positions. I knew he was tough on the ground, that’s why I didn’t try to take him down, to don’t get me tired. I had a strategy set from the beginning, I would make the fight standing, so I just took him down once... It was a good fight”.

In one of the few times that the fight went the mat, Rafael tried a leg lock, but the American resisted. "I don’t do this position at my training, because everybody already knows, but always when the guy gives me a chance I'll reach it and locks it. He turned to the side I wanted and the position was fit, I was able to put him in trouble", remembers Raphael, investing the extra bonus in trainings, with an eye in his next fight in the Ultimate. "They liked the fight and I have one more in the contract, but I don’t know when it will be”, finalized.