Rafael dos Anjos put on one of the best fights on the UFC 272 card when he faced off against Renato Moicano in a fight that went the distance, but dos Anjos really put on a clinic on why he is one of the best fighters in the UFC Lightweight division. His performance at UFC 272 was in our opinion better than what was on display in the main event. And if you look at all of RDA’s losses they were to fighters on top of their games and we think he could possibly go on another run to the top of the Lightweight division.
Rafael dos Anjos was born October 26, 1984 in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He often would get into brawls as a child. This would lead RDA to get in trouble. Dos anjos would eventually go onto train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu starting at the age of nine. Once he started training in this highly disciplined martial art his brawling in the street would cease and he’d pursue training and would eventually become a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Aldo “Caveirinha” Januário and Philipe “Furão” della Monica he’d also learn the art of eight limbs where he earned Black prajied in Muay Thai under Rafael Cordeiro.
dos anjos would make his professional MMA debut against Adriano Abu in September of 2004 he’d lose the contest to Abu in a Split Decision. He’d then fight João Paulo Almeida he’d win this bout by Unanimous Decision. He’d then get his first finish when he faced off against Felipe Arinelli winning the bout by TKO (doctor stoppage.) Jorge Britto would be next for RDA but unfortunately for dos anjos he’d lose the fight on the judges score cards by Split Decision. He’d win his next nine fights before ending up in the UFC.
dos Anjos would make his UFC debut against Jeremy Stephens in November of 2008. He would lose his UFC debut by KO (punches.) He’d then face Tyson Griffin and would lose the fight via Unanimous Decision. Dos Anjos would then fight Rob Emerson, RDA knew the stakes and he would get a much needed win, his first for the promotion. He’d win his next two fights against Kyle Bradley and Terry Etim before a loss to MMA veteran Clay Guida. He’d then get back in the win column with a victory over George Sotiropoulos before dropping another fight to Gleison Tibau
RDA would soon see his favor turn as he’d go on a nice five fight win streak that would include a three round war with Donald Cerrone. The streak would get snapped by and undefeated Khabib Nurmogamedov. RDA would win his next three before fighting Anthony Showtime pettis where he would win the UFC Lightweight Championship He’d defend his title once successfully against Cowboy Cerrone, but RDA would lose the belt in his next outing against Eddie Alvarez.
Since losing the Lightweight title he has gone 6-5 and will be returning to the UFC Octagon on Saturday when he will face off against Rafael Fiziev he’ll look to add another win to his record.
MMA Aficionado 