“I wouldn’t be sad” – Rafael Dos Anjos reveals failing to fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev does not bother him

“I wouldn’t be sad” – Rafael Dos Anjos reveals failing to fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev does not bother him

Rafael dos Anjos and Islam Makhachev (L-R) [Image Courtesy - MMA Fighting (L) and Bloody Elbow (R)]

Rafael dos Anjos is one of those fighters who has, over time, accrued respect and a wide fan base which adores him for his commitment to the fight game.

It seems like dos Anjos is a rare breed of mixed martial artist, whose acclaim in the sport just grows with time. Featuring in the UFC as a lightweight and a welterweight, dos Anjos’s exploits primarily came at 155 pounds, where he was able to capture the belt, and defeat a slew of tough fighters, including, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Benson Henderson.

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In the later stages of his career, Rafael dos Anjos fluctuated between lightweight and welterweight. In the last couple of years, the UFC teased fans with a mega-fight between him and current champion Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately, due to a string of injuries for both, neither could compete. Interestingly, dos Anjos had fought Makhachev’s ally and now trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and lost to him.

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Talking about it, he said, “We were scheduled to fight a couple times, but I got injured, he pulled out on fight week, as well. We had a chance to fight at welterweight. I accepted the fight. He didn’t take it and [Renato] Moicano took it. I wouldn’t be sad [if the fight never happens].” [H/T MMA Junkie]

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Rafael Dos Anjos believes his title run is over, at the age of 38

Rafael dos Anjos (L) faces Bryan Barbarena (R) this weekend [Image courtesy - Bleacher report (L) and MMA Fighting (R)]
Rafael dos Anjos (L) faces Bryan Barbarena (R) this weekend [Image courtesy – Bleacher report (L) and MMA Fighting (R)]

Despite his incredible career, dos Anjos has only been able to enjoy an up-and-down last couple of years, as the competition grows exponentially, and he starts to get out of his prime. Case in point, he fought Rafael Fiziev a few months back and was performing relatively well, till he was caught in the last round, and the referee had to intervene to stop him from accumulating unnecessary damage.

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This makes him believe that his time as a title contender is over. He said, “I don’t have plans to win the title in that division anymore, I’ll be honest with you. A couple guys that if it’s in good momentum for me and my personal life as well, I’ll take the fight.” Hence, it seems like dos Anjos is ready to start considering drawing the curtains to his illustrious career.

But, before any retirement talks gain serious traction, fight fans must be reminded that dos Anjos fights big-name upsetter Bryan Barbarena at welterweight this weekend. Without any serious title implications, this fight promises to deliver on all fronts.

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