“A Guy Who Never Held the Championship” – BMF Justin Gaethje Gets a Brutal Reminder From Ex-UFC Champ Rafael Dos Anjos

The debate is hot and critical. Where does the BMF title stand in contrast to the undisputed title? While some believe it’s merely symbolic, others think the distinct title is an honorable belt. Since the BMF title switched hands from Jorge Masvidal to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291, fans and fighters alike are divided over its prestige. It appears the narrative has tilted towards the naysayers as Rafael dos Anjos voices his doubts.

The Brazilian fighter, who has spent almost 15 years in the UFC collecting wins over the likes of Anthony Pettis and Nate Diaz, is himself a serious BMF contender. Further, his aggressive and high-volume striking also fits the bill. However, the former UFC champion believes he doesn’t meet the qualifications to fight for the BMF title. What are the criteria that even Dos Anjos fails to fulfill?

Rafael dos Anjos thrashes the BMF title holder Justin Gaethje

Ahead of his fight against Vicente Luque at UFC Vegas 78, dos Anjos weighed in on the debate as he appeared in the official UFC presser. A journalist pointed out that there were people who believed he was the BMF and wondered whether he would like to fight for the title.

The 38-year-old fighter mentioned that one had to be without a championship belt to fight for the BMF title. Therefore, he was overqualified and couldn’t challenge ‘The Highlight’. The scathing remark also took a dig at Gaethje, as he never won the undisputed title and, despite that, was donning a title on his waist.

Dos Anjos said, “I don’t think I make requirements for that fight. To fight for the BMF. I am a former champion. I held the linear belt. So guys that fight [for a BMF title] was a guy who never held the championship before.”

Read More: “You’ve Done That Same to Me”: Tony Ferguson’s Serious Allegations at Bobby Green Backfires at the Ex-Interim Champ After Former Rival Sends Him a Brutal Reminder

Notably, the BJJ ace clinched UFC gold against Pettis at UFC 185 in 2015. But that title run came in the lightweight division, and after suffering from grueling weight-cut issues, he decided to move up to 170 lbs. But where does facing a 7-year-old younger opponent fit into his vision?

Dos Anjos believes his path to glory is shorter

The 32-14 record holder believes a win against Luque can push him closer to his goal. Moreover, he believes he can insert himself into the title conversation with consecutive wins.

He specified, “My goal now is to keep winning my fights. Being a former world champion, I know the way for the belt is shorter.”

Markedly, dos Anjos headlines the upcoming UFC Vegas 78 on August 12 at the UFC Apex. On the other hand, Gaethje was recently crowned the BMF champion at UFC 291 after knocking out Dustin Poirier. The win also cemented his position as the next in line for title contention. However, the fact remains that he is still without a championship belt, and he will look to lay claim to the UFC gold in his next fight.

What do you think of these comments by UFC star Rafael dos Anjos? Do you believe he will become a champion again? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal Wins the Race Against Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Successor at UFC 291 for the BMF Title