Rafael Dos Anjos vs Rob Emerson — Fight recap

Rafael Dos Anjos defeated Rob Emerson via unanimous decision after three rounds on September 19, 2009, with referee Kerry Hatley officiating. Dos Anjos controlled the striking exchanges, landing 52 significant strikes at 31% accuracy compared to Emerson's 27 at 15%, while also securing two takedowns despite a modest 16% conversion rate.

The Brazilian's leg kick strategy proved effective, connecting on 28 of 32 attempts and accumulating 4:18 of control time to Emerson's negligible 0:20. Though neither fighter recorded knockdowns or submission attempts, Dos Anjos' superior output and cage control across all three rounds secured the unanimous nod.

The victory marked a solid early-career win for Dos Anjos, establishing his technical striking and wrestling foundation in the lightweight division.