A massive rematch for the lightweight belt.

Fighting Words pits two of our Generation Iron MMA writers against each other in a heated debate on big fight predictions. Jonathan Salmon: Already we’re a week removed from Conor McGregor’s shocking and devastating victory over long time featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo and I’m not quite sure everyone has let that fact settle in yet. Now we have a bout for the lightweight strap on the horizon between reigning champ Rafael dos Anjos and fan favorite Donald Cerrone. The winner could potentially be facing McGregor in their next title defense. When and if that time comes, I see Conor looking across the octagon at none other than “Cowboy” Cerrone. Lionel Harris-Spence: You know I definitely have to agree with you about McGregor’s potential jump, I think we’ll see him at 155, but I’m going to have to disagree on the opponent, dos Anjos will win this fight. It may not be pretty but I believe he’s got the skills to pay the bills. While I believe “Cowboy” is much improved, dos Anjos will take it in the end.

JS: I’m not discrediting RDA’s ability. He’s a talented pressure fighter with tons of tools in his tool kit. He was able to take the fight to Anthony Pettis and put on a real masterclass. Nevertheless, I believe the difference here will be Cowboy’s new found confidence. Ever since embracing his fast paced lifestyle he’s looked pretty impressive in the cage. I think once Cerrone gets into his sniper mode he’ll be able to run circles around dos Anjos, keep his back off the cage, and pick the champ apart. It may take a round or two, but he’ll find his groove. LHS: Those are very good points. It seems Cerrone has found his second wind. However, I think dos Anjos all around game is too good for the cowboy. If it stays standing, we know the pressure he can bring, just ask Anthony Pettis fight. Fighters like Cerrone with a Muay thai background need time to set up their shots – this plays right into the pressure of dos anjos as he’ll be in cowboys face all night getting off first or grinding him into the fence. And what If it goes to the ground? I think dos Anjos wins there too. We know that cowboy’s no slouch from the bottom but dos Anjos big body coupled with his world class jiu jitsu will have Cerrone thinking he was fighting Rockhold! I hate to keep harping on this fight but Anthony Pettis has some of the best footwork around and even he was against the fence vs. dos Anjos. I think we’ll see much of the same in this fight.

JS: RDA’s jiu jitsu game is definitely a legitimate concern, but I think he’ll avoid the clinch with Cerrone or eat some knees for his troubles. Speaking of which, I think Cerrone will control the distance with some well placed intercepting knees and attempt to work the body in the beginning which could pay massive dividends towards the end of the fight. Jonathan’s pick: Donald Cerrone defeats Rafael dos Anjos by decision. LHS: I hate to beat a dead horse here but I think Pettis tried that strategy already and it didn’t work too well. Don’t get me wrong dos Anjos is definitely hittable and Cerrone will land a couple but ultimately I think it won’t be enough to stave off the attack. I don’t see him shooting so much as grinding him onto the cage and taking him down from there – negating those devastating knees. If Cerrone can somehow keep the distance and make dos Anjos pay for coming in, I agree, he could win the bout. But I have to go with what I’ve seen so far and I think dos Anjos will be the better man to impose his will. Lionel’s prediction: Rafael dos Anjos by decision. Who do you think will be lightweight champion come Sunday morning? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter.