Rafael dos Anjos wants a rematch against Covington in 2020: 'It's a fight that interests me'

R. dos Anjos (left) was defeated by unanimous decision to C. Covington (right). Photo: Reproduction / Facebook UFC

The Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos saw in the recent defeat of Colby covington for Kamaru Usman the opportunity he needed to ask for the long-awaited rematch against the North American. At a complicated stage in his career, the Niteroi native revealed that he would like to repeat the fight held in 2018, when he was beaten by the 'loudmouth' in a unanimous decision by the judges in a fight valid for the interim welterweight title (up to 77kg.). In an interview with 'AgFight', Rafael spoke about the subject.

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“It’s definitely a fight that interests me,” said Dos Anjos.

The Brazilian, however, is faced with the serious injury suffered by Colby during the fight against Usman. At the time, the American ended up suffering a fractured jaw and is expected to be away from the Octagon for at least six months.

The Niteroi native showed solidarity with his professional companion and stated that he knows well the recovery process for such a fatality. Dos Anjos went through a similar situation after the confrontation against Clay guida, in 2010, at UFC 117. After the fracture, which led to the Brazilian's defeat, Rafael spent 11 months without stepping into the Octagon.

I already had this injury (in the jaw) too. I don't know how serious it is, but you have to have a lot of mind to come back. I hope he really fights again and doesn't retire, because it's an injury that I've seen people retire from. It’s something I wouldn’t wish even on my worst enemy,” said the Brazilian.

Currently, Rafael is going through his worst phase since he debuted for Ultimate. The fighter comes from three defeats in his last four appearances. Two of the setbacks happened precisely to the last athletes who fought for the belt in the UFC 245 (Usman and Colby).

To return to the division's spotlight, Dos Anjos, who currently occupies fifth place in the rankings and is coming off a defeat to Leon edwards, he needs a great opponent and an undeniable victory to dream of fighting for the belt again.