Colby Covington vs Rafael Dos Anjos — Fight recap

Colby Covington defeated Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision over five rounds on June 9, 2018, with referee Herb Dean overseeing the bout. Covington landed 99 significant strikes on 33% accuracy while successfully executing seven of eighteen takedown attempts, controlling the cage for 12:36 total time.

Dos Anjos proved the more efficient striker, connecting on 105 of 198 significant strikes at 53% accuracy and landing all fourteen leg kicks, but managed only three takedowns and accumulated just 2:14 of control time. The fight showcased a classic matchup between Covington's wrestling-heavy approach and Dos Anjos's superior striking efficiency, with the American's relentless pressure and positional dominance overcoming the Brazilian's technical precision.

The victory positioned Covington as a legitimate welterweight contender in the title conversation.