Rafael Dos Anjos will face #10 ranked Vincente Luque at UFC Fight Night at welterweight today. The 39-year-old is a former lightweight champion and is unranked in the welterweight division. And the move has left many fans puzzled.

Usually, a fighter has to sacrifice some of their power and strength when they move up in weight; as well as contending with more power from a bigger opponent at the higher weight class. Alex Pereira, for example, was challenged by the mass and power of opponent Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut. And ahead of his bout, Rafael dos Anjos has revealed the surprising reason behind moving up to the welterweight.

Dos Anjos reveals reason for moving up to welterweight

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Rafael Dos Anjos pointed to being able to live a good life after retiring as the main reason for the move. He believes not going through a huge weight cut will help him remain healthier. The 38-year-old said that most fighters do not really think about life after fighting, even though their fighting career is a small part of their lives. Dos Anjos further expressed a desire to be able to watch his kids and grandkids grow up.

“Oh yeah now uh I think it’s much easier for me, you know. I know you know not many guys think like that but there is the life after fighting, right? We just fight for our very short [part] of like our [life]. We’re gonna get old, you know, 60, 70. I want to have a good life later. I don’t want to kill myself,” he said. “I want to see my grandkids, I want to see my kids growing and have good health and I think was the smart move being at 170 again,” he added.

Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Vincente Luque preview

Dos Anjos will face Luque in a bout that might see the winner move up in line for title contention. Luque has been out of the ring for a year, after suffering a brain hemorrhage in his last fight against Geoff Neal at UFC Vegas 59. The Brazilian has been on a two-fight losing streak and will look to bounce back against his compatriot.

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Meanwhile, Dos Anjos will give up three inches in height and six inches in reach to his fellow Brazilian. He comes into the fight having won three out of his last four fights. With the clock ticking down on his career, he would hope for a dominant performance to make a statement and be considered a serious title contender.

With his move up to welterweight, Dos Anjos will try to prolong his fighting career and retire healthier as he would not have to go through a punishing weight cut. Who do you think will win in the fight between the two Brazilians? Let us know in the comments section below.

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