​​By Ag. Fight for FloCombat 

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos recently made an important decision for his career, moving up to welterweight after losing the title and two consecutive fights.

This, however, might not be a definite circumstance yet. Dos Anjos, who decided to change divisions due to harsh weight cuts, will make his welterweight debut June 17 at UFC Fight Night 111 in Singapore, where he faces Tarec Saffiedine. And the Brazilian said he can still drop to lightweight for a "super fight."

According to the athlete, a fight back at lightweight can be arranged if there is sufficient reason for him. After all, in Dos Anjos' opinion, there is no reason to face a brutal weight cut for a "useless" fight.

"I don't consider this a definite change," dos Anjos said during a conversation with Ag. Fight for FloCombat. "I can go back to lightweight for a super fight in the future. Everything is negotiable. But, it is not worth it [the weight cut] considering the amount I'm earning today. This was one of my motivations to change for welterweight. I don't need to kill myself and earn this salary. But, perhaps a super fight in the future." 

The biggest motivation for dos Anjos to move up a division were the brutal weight cuts that affected his health and performance. The Brazilian revealed he faced moments of panic when losing the last 15 pounds for his fights.

"I want to avoid those last 15 pounds," dos Anjos said. "That is terror and panic. It's almost death. I don't need to face that anymore. I want to fight well and happy, get in there strong and in good shape." 

Despite having one of the worst years of his career in 2016--when he went 0-2 and lost his title--dos Anjos made it clear that he's not mentally broken. In his opinion, he fights even better when under pressure.

"I think 2016 was a difficult year for me, but I do not have any psychologist with me," dos Anjos said. "I don't get shaken up by this kind of stuff. Defeats happen and I work better when I'm under pressure. I believe I am in a delicate moment, but everything happens for a reason." 

Slated to face Strikeforce's former champion Saffiedine in Singapore, dos Anjos will have a tough and experienced opponent ahead. And in order to overcome the powerful Belgian, dos Anjos believes he has to control the pace of the fight.

"He is a good striker, very strong, and an ex-champion," dos Anjos said. "He has good takedowns, good wrestling defense, and good jiu-jitsu. But I think my game--where I put a lot of pressure, walk forward and control the pace --will prevail."