UFC veteran Rafael dos Anjos cleared the air surrounding his future commitments with UFC as he lifted the veil over his contractual obligations. Notably, the Brazilian fighter is at crossroads in his career after his recent win against Bryan Barberena in December 2022. While he called out the former UFC champion Conor McGregor in his post-fight interview, the question about his career longevity looms large. Despite his recent clarification of sticking to 170 lbs class, the stars might align for a chance encounter between the two.
Markedly, the 38-year-old took to his Twitter handle and specified his intent to hang his MMA gloves after the completion of his contractual obligations. Further, he also mentioned the number of trips to the Octagon to be fulfilled and the life he might adopt later on.
Rafael dos Anjos reveals his prospective plans with UFC and life later on
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The BJJ ace, when asked about how long he planned to compete and also his life post-retirement, revealed he still had 7 fights left in the tank at welterweight. Also, he disclosed the intention to open a gym and change other people’s life.
Thus, the former lightweight champion wrote, “I’m looking to finish my contact with Ufc, 7 more fights at 170. After that I’m planing to open a gym and teach martial arts. Martial arts changed my life and I’m looking forward to change other people’s life”
Previously, the 32-year-old, turning down the proposals from lightweights, had expressed his inclination towards staying at welterweight. Interestingly, the ‘Notorious’ has flirted with the idea of moving up to 170 lbs in the recent past. And therefore, a probable fight between the two might not be a distant dream.
How did the fans react to the Brazilian fighter’s epiphany?
While some fans pointed out the 32-14 record holder’s age as an impediment, others suggested next most suitable opponents for him.
Rafael dos Anjos: I’m looking to finish my contact with UFC, 7 more fights at 170. After that I’m planning to open a gym and teach martial arts. Martial arts changed my life and I’m looking forward to change other people’s lives.
by u/Pirate905 in MMA
“If he fights twice a year he’ll be ~42 when he retires… dudes a legend with a SOS that’s mind blowing but I don’t know about this”
“Seven? I mean damn alright, that’s not a small amount that’s like 3 more years of his career.”
“If McGregor loses to Chandler, its the fight to make”
“7 is a lot, esp considering all he does is face top of the food chain guys. Can he get Kevin Lee, just once more?”
“bro 7 ufc fights is a whole career lol”
“7??? RDA is a damn dog”
“He would make for one hell of a coach”
“Yikes. RDA has a ton of mileage on him already. 7 more fights is just too much, especially at his age. Worried his CTE will get CTE by that point.”
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Significantly, Dos Anjos surpassed Frankie Edgar and became the first fighter to clock 8 hours of fight time in UFC history in his last Octagon outing.
What do you think of these reactions to the recent development surrounding UFC star Rafael dos Anjos? Let us know in the comments below.
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