Rafael dos Anjos declines Kevin Lee's weigh-in proposal

Rafael Dos Anjos won't be weighing in at 165 pounds on Friday despite Kevin Lee's best efforts.

Lee recently proposed the pair weigh six pounds under the welterweight limit as a statement to influence the UFC's decision to create a new 165-pound division. While "RDA" approves of the new weight class, he's not willing to cut any extra pounds ahead of their main event on Saturday.

"There’s no deal. I’ll make the weight I signed to make, 171 with the extra pound," dos Anjos told MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz on Thursday. "If he wants to make 165 to show he can do it, it’s up to him. I think it would be great to have this division, but I trained for 170 pounds and that’s what I’m going to do."

Dos Anjos (28-11) is a former UFC lightweight champion and moved up to the 170-pound division in June 2017 following back-to-back losses to Eddie Alvarez and Tony Ferguson. The 34-year-old has gone 3-2 in the welterweight division and heads into Saturday's headliner off two straight losses.

Meanwhile, Lee (17-4) is set to make his UFC welterweight debut after losing two of his last three fights at lightweight. Some have suggested the 26-year-old will have a cardio advantage without having to cut as much weight. However, dos Anjos doesn't believe that will be a factor.

“People say you’re no longer cutting 15 pounds, but that’s 15 pounds more he will have to carry," dos Anjos explained. "I remember when I fought Tarec Saffiedine in Singapore and got tired after three rounds. I thought I wouldn’t get tired because I didn’t cut much weight, but it was quite the opposite. I took some time for me to make the adjustments, and now it’s 100 percent.

“I know he will come strong and explosive early on, but I see many possibilities. I see myself knocking him out, submitting him. I don’t think it goes to the fifth round. I’m well-trained. I’ll dictate the rhythm and not let it go the distance.”