Former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos returns to Orlando after seven years to crown his brilliant career

R. dos Anjos faced D. Cerrone in December 2015 (Photo: Disclosure/@ufc)

After almost seven years, the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos returns to Orlando, Florida (USA) at a different time than December 2015, but still as a relevant athlete in the UFC. On that occasion, the Tupiniquim athlete was making his first defense of the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg) against the North American Donald Cerrone. O SUPER FIGHTS remembers the Brazilian's last performance in the city of Walt Disney theme parks.

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The champion's first defense

Dos Anjos is the UFC lightweight champion. (Photo: Disclosure/@ufc)

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December 2015. Rafael dos Anjos returned to the Octagon after shocking the world with Anthony Pettis and win the lightweight belt at UFC 185. His opponent would be the North American Donald Cerrone and the Brazilian athlete arrived in Orlando, at the Amway Center gym, so as not to see his reign interrupted prematurely.

Even with four consecutive victories and 9 triumphs in the last 10 fights, the Brazilian did not enter the duel as a 'fan favorite' and, despite being the champion of the category, he was 'diminished' in the event's official poster by the veteran Donald Cerrone. The Brazilian athlete did not hide his upset with the situation.

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Clearly uncomfortable and angry, Dos Anjos entered the Octagon willing to 'kill' Cerrone. Without giving his rival a chance, the Brazilian attacked the challenger from the bell and knocked him out approximately one minute into the fight. The lightweight belt continued with Rafael and continued with Brazil.

Return to Orlando

R. Dos Anjos weighing in for the UFC. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

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After fighting in the city of theme parks at the height of his career, Dos Anjos returns to Orlando at a different time, but as a name that is still relevant and has built a beautiful history in the organization. After being dethroned by Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division, Dos Anjos managed to remain an elite athlete in the category where he was champion and in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), where he even fought for the interim title.

Next Saturday, the Brazilian will face fellow veteran Bryan barberena in the co-main event of UFC Orlando. During the week, Dos Anjos admitted that he no longer intends to enter a new title race, but that he still has the desire to fight big fights, mainly against Conor McGregor whom he almost faced in 2016. The Tupiniquim athlete has a record of 31 triumphs and 14 setbacks as a sports professional.