‘He’s been through a lot of wars since the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight”- Islam Makhachev compares 2014 Rafael dos Anjos to 2021 version

‘He’s been through a lot of wars since the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight”- Islam Makhachev compares 2014 Rafael dos Anjos to 2021 version

Rafael dos Anjos, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev sits at the top 5 of the lightweight rankings. The Dagestani has slowly climbed the rungs of the lightweight division after notching up 8 victories in a row. He is undefeated since 2015, and will now be taking on Rafael dos Anjos, the former Lightweight champion on the 30th of October, later this year at UFC 267 (Fight Island). It is worth noting that RDA is ranked number 7 in the lightweight division.

In a recent exclusive interview with RT Sport, Islam Makhachev was asked to contrast the 2014 version of Rafael dos Anjos that took on Khabib Nurmagomedov to the one he will be facing at UFC 267. Makhachev claimed that the latest version of RDA would be more dangerous than the one that fought Khabib. The Russian also claimed that dos Anjos would be studying him in detail going into this fight.

“I think now he might be more dangerous than back then” – Islam Makhachev on Rafael dos Anjos

https://youtu.be/lOwwp6l4W2E?t=399

Makhachev was quoted as saying, “I think now he might be more dangerous than back then. He must have more confidence, he has been through a lot of wars since the Khabib fight. He’s gained a lot of experience for sure. I think now he breaks down every opponent much more carefully, and I am sure he will study me in detail, and will bring wrestlers into his camp.” [via RT Sport YouTube]

FS Video

Makhachev is coming off a win over Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31 in July, last month. He won the fight via. submission in the fourth round, to set up a clash with dos Anjos.

Dos Anjos, on the other hand, is coming off a war against Paul Felder in November 2020. In one of the fights of the year, dos Anjos won the contest via. a narrow split decision, that also brought up his 30th victory in the promotion. The fight also proved to be Felder’s last fight in his MMA career.

YouTube video

A win here for either would prove to be fruitful in their quest for the title. RDA especially, will be looking for one final push to become the lightweight champion once again. Meanwhile, Makhachev will be looking forward to living up to the billing of being the next Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Also Read: “I liked how Cristiano Ronaldo looked more” – Khabib Nurmagomedov unhappy with the way Mike Tyson presented himself in his podcast recently

Also Read: Ciryl Gane MMA Record: What is the French champion’s mixed martial record?