Rafael dos Anjos to make first title defense against Donald Cerrone

Champion Rafael dos Anjos bids to defend his 155 lb strap for the first time on the UFC’s final card of the year against fan favourite Donald Cerrone.

The Orlando Sentinel first reported the news Thursday afternoon.

Dos Anjos (24-7) won the UFC title in a dominant decision win against Anthony Pettis in March.

The 30-year-old Brazilian managed to avoid surgery on the knee but was unable to train for an extended period of time as he underwent physical therapy. It was considered by some to be a less than entertaining fight, but Cerrone’s streak of wins has made him an appealing draw.

Cerrone, meanwhile, is one of the division’s hottest fighters have rattled off eight consecutive victories. Cerrone is 15-3 since making his promotional debut after WEC merged with the UFC.

Dos Anjos defeated Cerrone by unanimous decision in their first bout in August 2013. The two have gone back and forth via social media in recent months. He hasn’t fought since May, and just this week he said he was getting antsy and might take a fight in another weight class if dos Anjos wasn’t ready soon.

This will be the promotion’s second trip to Florida in 2015.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship will return to Orlando this December, according to ESPN 580. The UFC held a Fox televised card at Amway Center in April 2014.