Dos Anjos Looks to Lift Stock Against Guida

When Rafael dos Anjos looks at Clay Guida, he sees opportunity.

Still flying under the radar, the 25-year-old Brazilian will take on Guida in a featured lightweight showdown at UFC 117 “Silva vs. Sonnen” on Saturday at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. A victory against the former Strikeforce champion could send dos Anjos’ stock skyward.

Guida last fought in March, when he submitted Shannon Gugerty with a second-round arm-triangle choke at UFC Live 1 in Broomfield, Colo. Trained at Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts in Albuquerque, N.M., the 28-year-old Rockford, Ill., native has secured half (13) of his 26 wins by submission..

“We know his strengths, but I trained to work my game against him,” dos Anjos said. “He wants to take me down and beat me up. I hope none of that happens. I’m also prepared to take him down, and I hope to perform well. I always want to have my foot on the gas. I’m confident everything will be alright.”

Dos Anjos seems content with the time he spent preparing for Guida, a high-energy lightweight who owns wins against “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 5 winner Nate Diaz, former Strikeforce lightweight titleholder Josh Thomson and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 6 winner Mac Danzig.

“Training went great,” dos Anjos said. “I’m calm, feeling good and looking better than ever.”

Dos Anjos will carry a three-fight winning streak into the match. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has not competed since he coaxed a tapout from Terry Etim with a second-round armbar at UFC 112 in April. He wants nothing more than to climb the ladder in the UFC’s cutthroat lightweight division.

“We’re on track and intend to contend with tough guys,” dos Anjos said. “I train to overcome new challenges and face tough athletes. Looking at my training, I think we’re doing a good job. I hope to get this next victory and, God willing, see my career take off.”