Rafael Dos Anjos took to Twitter to announce that he will soon be making his return to the Octagon. Moreover, he also congratulated his fellow Brazilian, Charles Oliveira for becoming the new lightweight champion.
Previously, RDA was victorious over Paul Felder at UFC Fight Night on 15 Nov 2020. Since then he is yet to make an appearance in the UFC even though he has been offered a few fights. However, Dos Anjos did make an appearance at Chael Sonnen’s Submission Underground (SUG), where he tapped to Donald Cerrone, twice.
Following the crowning of Charles Oliveira as the new lightweight champion, Dos Anjos took to Twitter to hint at his return. “Lightweight division it’s a shark tank, can’t wait to see what’s next for me. I’m healing up…can’t wait to be back in action. Congrats to the new champ! Amazing performance btw”.
Lightweight division it’s a shark tank, can’t wait to see what’s next for me. I’m healing up…can’t wait to be back in action. Congrats to the new champ! Amazing performance btw.
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) May 18, 2021
Recently, lightweight fighter Donald Cerrone revealed that he has been training with Dos Anjos. According to Cerrone, RDA has made him “fall back in love with Jiu-Jitsu”. With a lot of downtime and recovery, it appears as though Rafael is finally ready to make his return.
Interestingly, Rafael recognizes that the lightweight division is a complete frenzy at the moment. Hence, he will have to work fast and work hard, if he is to contend for a shot at lightweight gold. Previously, Dos Anjos was the lightweight champion before losing out to Eddie Alvarez on 8 July 2016.
Read More: Donald Cerrone Reveals How He Fell in Love With Jiu-jitsu While training With Rafael Dos Anjos
What’s Next For Rafael Dos Anjos?
Now 36, Rafael Dos Anjos is surely entering the twilight of his career. Moreover, he has only 2 wins in his last six fights, with his latest outing a split decision victory over Paul Felder. However, his fight with Felder was his first since his return to the lightweight division from welterweight.
Rafael dos Anjos of Brazil weighs in during the UFC weigh-in at the Orange County Convention Center on December 18, 2015, in Orlando, Florida. (Credits: Getty Images)
Interestingly, RDA was booked to fight Makhachev twice last year, but the fight fell apart both times. Dos Anjos would then go on to defeat Paul Felder instead. Additionally, RDA wants to fight Justin Gaethje as well. Hence, it is an interesting situation.
Whilst Islam is scheduled to fight Thiago Moises next, Justin Gaethje is still without an opponent. With both fighters desperate to prove a point, a potential fight would be the best idea for all parties involved.
