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Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos doesn’t plan on going anywhere in the near future. Though the Brazilian is pushing 40, his recent track record doesn’t suggest he’s fallen off a cliff in this later stage of the 38-year-old’s career. Coming off a win over Bryan Barberena, ‘RDA’ sounds like he’s firmly set against retiring for the time being.
Rafael dos Anjos has given up on winning another UFC title
While the former champion has gone on record admitting that he was no longer interested in pursuing UFC titles following his knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev last year, the Brazilian is still motivated by different interests. Among them are the drive to break records and to work his way into big money fights. To that end, the former champion is still interested in taking on Conor McGregor, a bout he was supposed to get way back when he was still the lightweight title holder. Rafael dos Anjos called out the ‘Notorious’ once again after his latest win.
“I had my last title run, and now it is time to fight people that motivate me to wake up and train. I have almost eight hours of octagon time, get me a veteran for a change. I would love to fight guys like Jim Miller, Jorge Masvidal or get my rematch with Tony Fergunson or Guida.” Dos Anjos tweeted in August 2022.
RDA aims to break more UFC records
On his official Twitter account, Rafael dos Anjos announced his intention to not only keep on fighting, but to set new records in the UFC. So far, Dos Anjos has already been able to accomplish a few notable feats in his career, most famously being the fighter with the most Octagon time—at eight hours, one minute and 49 seconds. In fact, RDA is the only fighter to have more than eight hours of cage time in the history of the promotion.
Furthermore, the Rafael dos Anjos holds the record for most unanimous decision wins in the UFC, at 11, and is tied with fellow countryman Francisco Trinaldo for the same record in the lightweight division—having picked up seven victories on all three judges’ scorecards. For those reasons and because of the way his recent matches went, Rafael sees no point in retiring at the moment.
“Not looking for retirement any time soon. (I) took a look at my records and I’ve been very competitive in all my fights against high level guys. (I) Still got a lot in me. (I’m) Gonna write my name in MMA/UFC history with more fights and hours in the Octagon. Mark my words.” Dos Anjos posted.
RDA has been in the UFC for 15 years
Dos Anjos (32-14) scored his submission win over Barberena back in December of 2022. That victory acted as a rebound for the 38-year-old, from a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev in July of the same year. Before that, RDA was on a two-fight winning streak, with victories over Renato Moicano and Paul Felder, respectively in March 2022 and November 2020.
Overall, the Evolve MMA talent holds a 20-12 record within the Octagon in a stint that dates all the way back to his UFC debut in November 2008. Throughout this 15-year period, he’s won the lightweight title via a unanimous decision win over Anthony Pettis, in March 2015, and scored wins over other notable names both like Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz, and Robbie Lawler.
Alhough he is interested in making a quick return after his victory against Barberena in December, Rafael dos Anjos does not have any official fights scheduled for the time being.
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