Tag: Rafael Dos Anjos

Ex-Champion Rafael dos Anjos slams door on 155lbs future, eyes July fight in welterweight return

Rafael dos Anjos shuts door on 155lbs future eyes July return to UFC at welterweightFormer undisputed lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos has shut the proverbial door on his future in the division –…

Rafael dos Anjos shuts door on 155lbs future eyes July return to UFC at welterweight

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos has shut the proverbial door on his future in the division – urging the promotion to remove him from the official rankings, as he hopes to secure a July comeback to the Octagon in a return to the welterweight limit.

dos Anjos, the current number fourteenth ranked lightweight contender, has been sidelined since he featured at UFC 299 earlier this year, dropping a decision defeat to surging contender, Mateusz Gamrot in Miami.

Rafael Dos Anjos

The outing came as the Brazilian’s return to the lightweight limit – for the second time since a divisional debut at welterweight back in 2017 – having previously dropped a decision loss to compatriot, Vicente Luque at 170lbs last August.

Rafael dos Anjos shuts door on lightweight future

And matched with perennial contenders and up-and-coming stars at the lightweight limit in recent years since his flip-flopping from welterweight, Niteroi native, dos Anjos has urged the promotion to stop booking him at lightweight, as he explores a July return at 170lbs.

Rafael dos Anjos takes aim at BMF title and it's competitors I won the undisputed belt
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA TODAY Sports

“Get me out of LW rankings,” Rafael dos Anjos posted on his official X account. “For you LW out there calling me out I don’t compete at LW now on. I have nothing to prove to nothing, I walk around 195 at 39 years old. There’s lots of fights that make sense to me at 170. I want to fight in July @ufc get me back in that Octagon.” 

Without a victory since his submission win over Bryan Barberena two years ago at the welterweight limit, dos Anjos, who struck gold with a dominant win over Anthony Pettis back in 2015, has turned in victories over Tarec Saffiedine, Neil Magny, Robbie Lawler, and Kevin Lee to boot at 170lbs.

Rafael dos Anjos books UFC headliner against Vicente Luque in July
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

Who would you like to see Rafael dos Anjos fight in his summer return?

Paddy Pimblett Ridicules ‘Stupid’ Rafael dos Anjos after UFC 296 win: ‘If he wants me to take him out, I will’

Paddy Pimblett Rafael Dos Anjos UFC 296When asked about Rafael Dos Anjos’ comments towards him: Paddy Pimblett did not hesitate when it came time to…

Paddy Pimblett Rafael Dos Anjos UFC 296

When asked about Rafael Dos Anjos’ comments towards him: Paddy Pimblett did not hesitate when it came time to clap back.

Now 5-0 in the UFC, Paddy Pimblett is like a comet on his way to superstardom. People seemingly either love or hate the man, and in an industry where you’d prefer people to feel one way or the other: he is shining.

At UFC 296 he defeated his biggest name yet in Tony Ferguson. Sure, the fight wasn’t as exciting as some may have hoped. Pimblett didn’t land himself a finish, or fight of the night. But, he smothered a man who was once the boogeyman of his division. Pimblett defeated Ferguson via decision, and although the fight had its moments: it’ll ultimately go down as a lackluster and safe victory.

While fans, media, and fellow fighters alike shared their opinion on the battle: the one name that seemed to truly resonate with Paddy Pimblett was that of Rafael Dos Anjos’. When asked about his thoughts on RDA’s comments about his fight, ‘The Baddy’ did not hold back when it came time to share true thoughts on what RDA had said.

Paddy Pimblett flames Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 296 Press Conference

At the post-fight press conference, Paddy Pimblett was asked to share his thoughts on a callout by UFC legend Rafael Dos Anjos. The reporter explained how RDA had said he could defeat Pimblett without a training camp, and Pimblett said that he would be interested in that fight.

RDA has been fighting at welterweight, and although Pimblett pointed that out, he still chose to flame his would-be rival. “Yeah (I’d be interested in fighting him),” Paddy Pimblett said. “He’s another legend, former champ, just like Tony (Ferguson). RDA is very good.”

After a brief pause to confirm with reporters that RDA is planning on staying at welterweight and allegedly is fighting Mateusz Gamrot next, Pimblett sneered and responded: “What the f*** is he mentioning me for, then? Stupid bastard.”

Reporters from the press conference could be heard breaking out in laughter as Paddy Pimblett continued to roast RDA. “Focus on who you’ve got to fight… But yeah, everybody’s gonna mention me, aren’t they? And, it’s just cuz of like, the little thing around me name and the fact that I’ve got so many followers. That’s what it is, but, as I say, I wouldn’t disrespect RDA. He’s a former champ, one of the legends of the sport. But, he’s another one that’s getting a bit old now. And, if he wants me to take him out, I will.”

Do you think RDA would beat Paddy Pimblett in a fight?

Paddy Pimblett Ridicules ‘Stupid’ Rafael dos Anjos after UFC 296 win: ‘If he wants me to take him out, I will’

Paddy Pimblett Rafael Dos Anjos UFC 296When asked about Rafael Dos Anjos’ comments towards him: Paddy Pimblett did not hesitate when it came time to…

Paddy Pimblett Rafael Dos Anjos UFC 296

When asked about Rafael Dos Anjos’ comments towards him: Paddy Pimblett did not hesitate when it came time to clap back.

Now 5-0 in the UFC, Paddy Pimblett is like a comet on his way to superstardom. People seemingly either love or hate the man, and in an industry where you’d prefer people to feel one way or the other: he is shining.

At UFC 296 he defeated his biggest name yet in Tony Ferguson. Sure, the fight wasn’t as exciting as some may have hoped. Pimblett didn’t land himself a finish, or fight of the night. But, he smothered a man who was once the boogeyman of his division. Pimblett defeated Ferguson via decision, and although the fight had its moments: it’ll ultimately go down as a lackluster and safe victory.

While fans, media, and fellow fighters alike shared their opinion on the battle: the one name that seemed to truly resonate with Paddy Pimblett was that of Rafael Dos Anjos’. When asked about his thoughts on RDA’s comments about his fight, ‘The Baddy’ did not hold back when it came time to share true thoughts on what RDA had said.

Paddy Pimblett flames Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 296 Press Conference

At the post-fight press conference, Paddy Pimblett was asked to share his thoughts on a callout by UFC legend Rafael Dos Anjos. The reporter explained how RDA had said he could defeat Pimblett without a training camp, and Pimblett said that he would be interested in that fight.

RDA has been fighting at welterweight, and although Pimblett pointed that out, he still chose to flame his would-be rival. “Yeah (I’d be interested in fighting him),” Paddy Pimblett said. “He’s another legend, former champ, just like Tony (Ferguson). RDA is very good.”

After a brief pause to confirm with reporters that RDA is planning on staying at welterweight and allegedly is fighting Mateusz Gamrot next, Pimblett sneered and responded: “What the f*** is he mentioning me for, then? Stupid bastard.”

Reporters from the press conference could be heard breaking out in laughter as Paddy Pimblett continued to roast RDA. “Focus on who you’ve got to fight… But yeah, everybody’s gonna mention me, aren’t they? And, it’s just cuz of like, the little thing around me name and the fact that I’ve got so many followers. That’s what it is, but, as I say, I wouldn’t disrespect RDA. He’s a former champ, one of the legends of the sport. But, he’s another one that’s getting a bit old now. And, if he wants me to take him out, I will.”

Do you think RDA would beat Paddy Pimblett in a fight?

Rafael Dos Anjos claims he can take title from Islam Makhachev in fight after UFC 294: ‘He knows that’

Rafael dos Anjos claims Islam Makhachev knows he can beat him after UFC 294The lightweight legend Rafael Dos Anjos is very confident that he could defeat Islam Makhachev inside the UFC octagon….

Rafael dos Anjos claims Islam Makhachev knows he can beat him after UFC 294

The lightweight legend Rafael Dos Anjos is very confident that he could defeat Islam Makhachev inside the UFC octagon.

3-2 in his last five, RDA is finding himself in crunch time at this stage of his career. With only a small handful of battles seemingly still possible, and not much time to get them done: Dos Anjos is faced with a late-career conundrum. He’s got to maximize the potential of the fights he does take, while also getting them done before Father Time can continue to work his magic.

At 38, RDA would be considered at the end of his prime in a division like the heavyweight division. At lightweight, or welterweight, 38 years of age is literally ancient. So, Dos Anjos must achieve whatever he’s looking to achieve before time runs out and he’s forced to retire. With all of the young, fearsome talent developing in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions: it’s only a matter of time before the general consensus favors a swift retirement by Rafael Dos Anjos.

So, it’s really of no surprise that the living legend is trying to sell a fight between him and the seemingly unstoppable lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Rafael Dos Anjos wants Islam Makhachev, Doesn’t think anybody else in the division could defeat him

Taking to social media platform, X, Rafael Dos Anjos shared his thoughts regarding a matchup between him and the lightweight champion. “Looking at lightweight rankings,” he began. “I don’t see anyone other than me to beat Islam and he knows that #UFC294.”

While this may seem extremely comical to anybody not completely oblivious to the sport: many forget to reflect on RDA’s resume. The man is a legend for a reason. RDA has never shied away from any tough matchup. He’s faced the most dangerous and brutal killers in multiple divisions and continues to do so even while he’s now reached an age that many consider very old for his division.

Even still, the warrior spirit of RDA shines through. He doesn’t want some scrub that he can obliterate and retire off of an impressive win. He wants a title shot against Islam Makhachev, the man who just knocked out the greatest featherweight to ever grace the division in Alexander Volkanovski.

While the chances of Rafael Dos Anjos getting any shot against Islam Makhachev are slim to none, the chance was there at one point. In fact, three times. So, it does make sense that RDA feels like he can defeat Makhachev. Few in the division have actually worked a full camp in dedication to a fight with the guy, let alone three times such as RDA has.

Who do you think would’ve won between a prime RDA compared to Islam Makhachev?

Rafael dos Anjos calls out Dustin Poirier for UFC 295 clash at MSG: ‘This fight would get me fired up’

Rafael dos Anjos calls for fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 295 in NovemberHaving faced the who’s who of the lightweight division, former undisputed division champion, Rafael dos Anjos has called for a fresh pairing against former interim gold holder, Dustin Poirier – suggesting a showdown at UFC 295 in Novembet at Madison Square Garden. dos Anjos, a former undisputed lightweight champion, most recently headlined UFC Vegas 78 […]

Rafael dos Anjos calls for fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 295 in November

Having faced the who’s who of the lightweight division, former undisputed division champion, Rafael dos Anjos has called for a fresh pairing against former interim gold holder, Dustin Poirier – suggesting a showdown at UFC 295 in Novembet at Madison Square Garden.

dos Anjos, a former undisputed lightweight champion, most recently headlined UFC Vegas 78 earlier this month, suffering an eventual unanimous decision loss to fellow Brazilian standout, Vicente Luque in a welterweight pairing.

As for Poirier, the former interim lightweight champion most recently headlined UFC 291 back in July himself, suffering a spectacular second round high-kick KO loss to fellow former interim champion, Justin Gaethje – in the pair’s symbolic BMF championship clash.

Rafael dos Anjos offers to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 295 in November

Announcing plans earlier this week for a return to the Octagon before the close of this year, Poirier appears to have found a willing dance partner in the form of Niteroi veteran, dos Anjos, who is searching for his own return to the winner’s enclosure.

“Let’s do it!” Rafael dos Anjos posted on his official X account. “Big respect for what you’ve accomplished @DustinPoirier, this fight would get me fired up.” 

Himself striking undisputed lightweight gold back in 2015, Brazilian fan-favorite, dos Anjos turned in a dominant unanimous decision win over former champion and common-foe, Anthony Pettis, before stopping Donald Cerrone in December of that year in the pair’s title fight rematch. 

In his most recent win, dos Anjos managed to stop Bryan Barberena at the welterweight limit of 170lbs at UFC Fight Night Orlando, wrapping up a second round neck crank submission win back in December of last year. 

Two perennial lightweight contenders, dos Anjos’ most recent Octagon walk at the limit came in a main event clash with Rafael Fiziev back in July of last year, suffering an early fifth round KO loss. 

Would you like to see Rafael dos Anjos fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 295 in November?

Vicente Luque outlasts Rafael dos Anjos in exhausting five found war – UFC Vegas 78 Highlights

Rafael dos AnjosVicente Luque snapped a two-fight losing skid on Saturday night, besting former lightweight world champion Rafael dos Anjos in the UFC Vegas 78 main event. Through five rounds of intense back-and-forth action, dos Anjos attempted to put his exquisite grappling game to work, but somewhat of a surprise turn, it was Luque who dominated the […]

Rafael dos Anjos

Vicente Luque snapped a two-fight losing skid on Saturday night, besting former lightweight world champion Rafael dos Anjos in the UFC Vegas 78 main event.

Through five rounds of intense back-and-forth action, dos Anjos attempted to put his exquisite grappling game to work, but somewhat of a surprise turn, it was Luque who dominated the bout, particularly in the clinch where his strength was on display throughout the 25-minute affair.

RDA appeared to hold an advantage on the feet when he opted to let his hands go, but dos Anjos only used the striking as a means to close the distance and initiate the clinch. That game plan continuously backfired as ‘The Silent Assassin’ was easily able to control the clinch and reverse position when needed. RDA began to show some urgency in the fifth round, but by then, Luque was in complete control and cruising toward an undeniable decision victory.

Official Result: Vicente Luque def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).

With the victory, Luque moved to 15-5 inside the Octagon while his opponent, Rafael dos Anjos, fell to 21-13. RDA has now lost two of his last three while Luque has found the win column in five of his last seven scraps inside the Octagon.

Check Out Highlights From Rafael dos Anjos vs. Vicente Luque at UFC Vegas 78 Below: