Anthony Pettis vs. Rafael Dos Anjos At UFC 185; Who’s Your Choice?

Tonight’s UFC 185 headliner features two mixed martial artists who approach their professions very differently.

Reigning lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (18-2 MMA, 5-1 Ultimate Fighting Championship) hopes his flashy style in and out of the cage can help build his brand as a pay-per-view kingpin and make him one of the sport’s most recognizable faces.

His opponent Rafael dos Anjos (23-7, 12-5) is unconcerned with the limelight and just wants to keep his life as simple as possible.

So it’s probably little surprise whom UFC officials have heavily promoted ahead of the title fight at Dallas’ American Airlines Center (10 p.m. ET, PPV).

“People want to watch me fight and see what I do next,” Pettis, the centerpiece of the event’s marketing push, tells USA TODAY Sports. “When you sell pay-per-views, you make money. I have a clearshot path to being one of the biggest names in the lightweight division.

Pettis, 28, has evolved into can’t-miss material. Nicknamed “Showtime,” the Milwaukee-based fighter routinely attempts high-risk techniques, including off-the-cage kicks and knees that are frequent highlight-reel fodder. He carries that same flair outside the octagon, wearing custom suits and gold jewelry and owning expensive cars.

It makes Pettis a commodity the UFC wants to back, as do mainstream companies such as Reebok and Wheaties, which have signed the champ to high-profile sponsorship deals.

“Once brands like that recognize you, you’re doing something right,” Pettis says. “There are a lot of ways to get your name out there, and one of them is your fighting style. They don’t call me Showtime for no reason. I put it all on the line, take risks, and that’s why people tune in.”

Dos Anjos is also a risk taker in competition but in a far less glitzy manner. He calls his style fearless, because he attacks opponents with ferocity.

The Brazilian has been part of the UFC roster since 2008 and was forced to win eight of his last nine fights to earn a title shot. Dos Anjos is aware he doesn’t share Pettis’ flash, but he knows his capabilities in the cage.

“Once I put my hands on him, he’s not going to have time to do back flips or wall kicks,” dos Anjos says. “He’s just going to have to think about how to defend himself. I respect him as a person, but I won’t in the octagon.”

Plenty of perks come with being a UFC champion, and Pettis puts them on display. But dos Anjos has no desire to do the same.

“I’m a simple guy,” he says. “(Pettis) likes nice watches and stuff, but that’s just his taste. He likes to be like that. Some people like cars and watches and nice clothes. Everyone is different. For him these are the things that matter. I just want to be in the octagon to feed my family.”

Pettis has everything going his way, but dos Anjos intends to put one of the UFC’s poster boys through the shredder. “He’s an excellent fighter and does a lot of great things in the octagon, but he’s not unbeatable,” he says. “His time is up. It’s time to have a new champion, and it’s me.”

Injuries and inactivity have plagued Pettis’ career in recent years. Now healthy and ready to fight for the second time in 98 days, he’s prepared for a banner year that will make him a household name.

“This fight is definitely going to set the tone for my title defenses,” Pettis says. “If I go in this fight and I’m dominant and I do what I know I can do, I’ll set the tone for the rest of the year.”

Who are you going for? Wil Pettis be able to retain? Or will Dos Anjos be able to stylishly take the pride off of Pettis’ shoulders? Comment below and tell us what you think.