Tag: Rafael Dos Anjos

Rafael dos Anjos questions Islam Makhachev’s choice of opponents: ‘I think he could take a real challenge’

Rafael dos AnjosFormer undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos, has picked current division pacesetter, Islam Makhachev to defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next February, however, urged the Russian punisher to take a real challenge for once, rather than featuring against the featherweight. Niteroi native, dos Anjos, who held the undisputed lightweight title between 2015 and […]

Rafael dos Anjos

Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos, has picked current division pacesetter, Islam Makhachev to defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next February, however, urged the Russian punisher to take a real challenge for once, rather than featuring against the featherweight.

Niteroi native, dos Anjos, who held the undisputed lightweight title between 2015 and 2016, returned to the welterweight limit triumphantly at UFC Fight Night Orlando, turning in an impressive co-main event win over Bryan Barberena, courtesy of a second round rear-naked choke.

The victory marked dos Anjos’ first win at 170lbs since he submitted Kevin Lee back in 2019, and returned him to winning-ways following a knockout loss to the surging, Rafael Fiziev earlier this year in a lightweight limit excursion.

Rafael dos Anjos calls into question the calibre of opponent Islam Makhachev faces

Tied to a fight with current lightweight kingpin, Makhachev on numerous occasions in the past, dos Anjos failed to ever fight the American Kickboxing Academy staple, however, urged him to take some real challenges now that he sits upon the lightweight throne.

“I think Islam (Makhachev) will win that fight [against Alexander Volkanovski],” Rafael dos Anjos told assembled media after UFC Orlando. “I think he could take somebody at lightweight – a real challenger. But these guys, I can’t understand them.”

Pursuing a welterweight stint amid his win over Barberena, dos Anjos called for a rebooked fight with former duel-weight champion, Conor McGregor in the Dubliner’s Octagon return next year, however, admitted that he would need to get accustomed to the welterweight limit once again.

“I think in my next fight, I’ll be more adjusted to the weight division,” Rafael dos Anjos explained. “Bryan (Barberena) is pretty strong, and I kind of forgot how strong guys at 170 are. He’s taller than me. He’s bigger than me. Be prepared – make sure you have your sparring partners [as] big guys, too, so you have that feeling, so when the fight happens, you don’t get surprised.” (Transcribed by BJPENN.com)

Rafael Dos Anjos questions Conor McGregor’s new shredded physique: “He’s out of USADA. Why is he out of the (testing) pool?”

Rafael Dos Anjos Conor McGregor UFC OrlandoWith photos of Conor McGregor‘s shredded physique circulating the internet, Rafael Dos Anjos took the time to give his opinion on them and may have implied that ‘The Notorious’ could be on PEDs. Rafael Dos Anjos returned to the winner’s circle after his fantastic performance at UFC Orlando. He faced wild brawler Bryan Barberena and […]

Rafael Dos Anjos Conor McGregor UFC Orlando

With photos of Conor McGregor‘s shredded physique circulating the internet, Rafael Dos Anjos took the time to give his opinion on them and may have implied that ‘The Notorious’ could be on PEDs.

Rafael Dos Anjos returned to the winner’s circle after his fantastic performance at UFC Orlando. He faced wild brawler Bryan Barberena and ensured he would not be baited into the wild slugfests that Barberena is widely known for.

RDA secured a submission victory over Barberena in round two via rear naked choke. After the fight, the legend hopped on the microphone and called out none other than Conor McGregor. The two were supposed to fight way back in March of 2016, but a tragic injury forced RDA out of the scrap and was why Nate Diaz took his place to face ‘The Notorious’.

Rafael Dos Anjos speaks on Conor McGregor’s questionable new physique

During the post-fight press conference, RDA shared his thoughts about desiring a fight with McGregor, questioned his new physique, and objected to him being out of the USADA testing pool.

“Look at my resume; I’ve fought everybody. I think I’ve earned this fight. I will not ask UFC for extra crazy paydays, I just wanna have that fight. July works perfect for me, we’ll see what happens.” Dos Anjos said, (h/t via BJ PENN.com).

“He’s out of USADA. Why is he out of the pool?” RDA continued. “It looks like, his body looks so different. I’ve given him some time to get clear.”

RDA confirmed that if the two did fight, it would surely be at welterweight. While everybody would relish a fight with ‘The Notorious’, you could make a very compelling case as to why Dos Anjos deserves it. He’s fought every and anybody that the UFC saw fit to put in his path. He’s faced them fearlessly and never complained about his strength in the competition he’s been pitted against.

Should Rafael Dos Anjos face Conor McGregor for his comeback fight?

UFC Orlando Octagon Interviews: Rafael Dos Anjos Calls Out Conor McGregor

Considering it took place a week before the UFC’s final Pay-Per-View event of the year, UFC Orlando still included quite a few notable names and ended up delivering an entertaining night of action for fans. The card’s loaded lineup of 14 fi…

Considering it took place a week before the UFC’s final Pay-Per-View event of the year, UFC Orlando still included quite a few notable names and ended up delivering an entertaining night of action for fans. The card’s loaded lineup of 14 fights didn’t leave a lot of time for Daniel Cormier to speak to fighters…

Continue Reading UFC Orlando Octagon Interviews: Rafael Dos Anjos Calls Out Conor McGregor at MMA News.

MMA Twitter Reacts To Rafael dos Anjos’ Submission Of Bryan Barberena

Rafael dos Anjos impressively submitted Bryan Barberena while making history at UFC Orlando tonight. Not only did the 38-year-old earn his third victory in four fights, but he also became the first UFC fighter to record eight hours of Octagon time—surp…

Rafael dos Anjos impressively submitted Bryan Barberena while making history at UFC Orlando tonight. Not only did the 38-year-old earn his third victory in four fights, but he also became the first UFC fighter to record eight hours of Octagon time—surpassing Frankie Edgar’s record. While the bout was set for five rounds, Dos Anjos just…

Continue Reading MMA Twitter Reacts To Rafael dos Anjos’ Submission Of Bryan Barberena at MMA News.

Rafael dos Anjos scores second-round submission of Bryan Barberena – UFC Orlando Highlights

dos AnjosFormer UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos returned to the Octagon at UFC Orlando on Saturday night against the streaking Bryan Barberena in a welterweight showdown. Barberena entered the co-main event clash on a three-fight win streak with wins over Darian Weeks, Matt Brown, and Robbie Lawler. Dos Anjos stepped into the Amway Center intent […]

dos Anjos

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos returned to the Octagon at UFC Orlando on Saturday night against the streaking Bryan Barberena in a welterweight showdown. Barberena entered the co-main event clash on a three-fight win streak with wins over Darian Weeks, Matt Brown, and Robbie Lawler. Dos Anjos stepped into the Amway Center intent on getting back into the win column following a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev in July.

Barberena came out immediately putting pressure on RDA. A minute into the opening round, RDA was able to clinch, pushing Barberena to the fence and securing a takedown. RDA put his grappling skills on display, nearly finishing things early with an arm triangle choke, but the fence prevented him from getting the proper positioning. Barberena came out for the second round determined to flip the script by immediately initiating a clinch with dos Anjos.

Unfortunately, the decision did not work out for ‘Bam Bam’ who once again found himself on the canvas with three minutes left in the round. Working his way around to Barberena’s back, RDA was able to lock in a rear-naked choke, forcing ‘Bam Bam’ to tap out in round two.

Official Result: Rafael dos Anjos def. Bryan Barberena via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of Round 2.

Check Out Highlights From Rafael dos Anjos vs. Bryan Barberena at UFC Orlando Below: