At 38 years old, Rafael dos Anjos reveals next steps in his career and talks about contract with UFC

Rafael dos Anjos in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc

Former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg.), Rafael dos Anjos prepares for 34 Ultimate fights. Scheduled to compete in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), the Brazilian stated that he feels healthier in the category that he had success in the past. MMA veteran, 'RDA' assured that he will remain in the new category and highlighted the difficulties brought on by age.

“Competing at lightweight is very difficult. I'll be 39 in October and I feel good at welterweight. I've fought in this division before. I fought for the division title. I went to the decision with the champion and, yes, I decided to move up and that’s how I’m going to fight”, said dos Anjos on half day.

See too

Inspired by Gaethje, Luque says he will be more strategic, but guarantees exciting fights

VIDEO: On the eve of his fight against Sterling for the UFC belt, O'Malley 'hones' techniques for the biggest challenge of his career

O'Malley opens the game and declares that he gave up leisure to focus on the fight against Sterling

When asked about his future in the organization, Rafael revealed contractual issues and did not rule out a possible return to the lightweight division.

“If I have a fight, like a super fight, I will make a very good amount of money (return to lightweight). I see that after this fight I still have six more under my contract. I could tell you that if it was a lightweight fight, I could fight three more times, four more times to be honest with you. It's very hard on my body. I think that at welterweight I can go further and extend my career,” said Rafael.

Rafael dos Anjos beat Felder in UFC Las Vegas 14. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc_Brasil

Chance to fight for the belt

“In the past, everyone fought everyone and whoever kept winning ended up fighting for the title. My goal now is to continue winning my fights. Being a former world champion, I know that the path to the belt is shorter. I remember in 2017, when I went up for the first time and fought against Tarec saffiedine in Singapore, when I got home I said I was way behind in the rankings. I'll probably never fight for the title in this division. The UFC called me: 'Hey, Damain Maia doesn't want to fight Tyron woodley. Would you accept?' So this is how this game works. So, beating Vicente now, anything can happen. Someone could get hurt, you don’t know how this game changes,” he concluded.

Rafael dos Anjos He is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

protagonist of UFC Las Vegas 78, Dos Anjos faces Luque this Saturday (12), in a duel valid for five rounds. Favorite in bookmakers, the former lightweight champion could join the category ranking if he overcomes the current tenth place.