UFC on FOX 17: Rafael dos Anjos wants to become lightweight legend like BJ Penn

Of the 10 champions on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster, lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos just doesn't seem to garner as much attention as some of his peers.

Perhaps it's because of his lack of activity due to injury, or failure to market himself to the average mixed martial arts (MMA) fan.

Whatever the case may be, it's a little bit funny considering the beat down he delivered to former lightweight kingpin Anthony Pettis back at UFC 185 in March.

One of his critics, the No. 2-ranked lightweight in UFC and former foe of Dos Anjos, Donald Cerrone, has often referred to the Brazilian powerhouse as "Frankenstein," while predicting a change in his fighting style for their headlining clash at UFC on FOX 17 tomorrow night (Sat., Dec. 19, 2015).

As such, Dos Anjos would like to make Cerrone eat his words and embark on a path towards legendary status in Orlando, Florida (via MMA Fighting):

"He just make accusations and bring confidence that he doesn't have. He's just trying to be so confident and he knows what he's going to face Saturday because he's faced this before and now he's going to face a different Rafael dos Anjos. He knows what's waiting for him. These guys are all tough in front of the cameras and then they turn their back and they're all different guys. I want to be the legend of this division. I want to be a lightweight legend like B.J. Penn. I want to be a name like yours."

If the Kings MMA product wants to become the next B.J. Penn, it will mean turning back a powerful Muay Thai striker like "Cowboy," who's now won eight straight inside the Octagon over the likes of former 155-pound leader Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez.

Dos Anjos, 31, was the last man to kick the Jackson-Wink MMA representative to the curb in a rather one-sided contest back in Aug. 2013.

The pair are largely completely different fighters now, with both possessing a penchant for the finish on the feet or the mat.

Dos Anjos debuted in UFC with little-to-no resemblance of a striking game seven years ago, but has since improved both his Muay Thai and wrestling skills, which have resulted in stoppages of Jason High and "Smooth" in 2014.

A second win over a staunch competitor like Cerrone would elevate his stock in ZUFFA, and set him on a crash course to settle a score with this Irish champion and instigator.

Hey, money talks.

For more UFC on FOX 17 news and notes, as well as up-to-the-minute live results, click here and here.