R. dos Anjos (left) and C. McGregor (right) face each other in 2016. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former acquaintance of Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos did not miss the opportunity to 'take a bite' from the 'Notório' after the tough defeat suffered by the Irishman to Dustin poirier, UFC 257. In an interview with 'sherdog', the Brazilian took advantage of the moment to provoke his former rival and admitted that he was a complicated opponent for the former Ultimate champion.
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“I don’t see myself as a bad option for Conor. I'm left-handed, I have a grapple (grappling) which is dangerous for him. I use those calf kicks a lot”, said the Brazilian.
In addition to Conor, Dos Anjos, who returned to lightweight (up to 70,3kg.) after a few years at welterweight (up to 77kg.), took the opportunity to talk about Nate diaz, who is also expected to return to the division soon. For the Niteroi native, Ultimate should promote the trilogy between McGregor and Dustin poirier or with the 'bad boy' North American.
“In my opinion, it would be more interesting if they (UFC) promoted the trilogy with Poirier or Diaz. The same line works for Diaz. My game simply doesn't fit his (Nate) style and the big proof is that I defeated him easily (in 2014) and he never asked for a rematch. I am a grappler better, a better striker and my jiu-jitsu is better than his. So I understand why he never said my name again.”
McGregor and Rafael were very close to exchanging forces in the Octagon. The athletes were scheduled for UFC 196, in 2016. At that time, the fighters would compete for the lightweight title, which was held by RDA. The match, however, ended up being canceled after an injury to the Niteroi native and was never rescheduled.
On the other hand, the duel against Diaz took place in 2014 and has an important meaning in the Brazilian's career. After beating the 'bad boy' with propriety, Dos Anjos stamped his passport to face the champion of the time, Anthony Pettis. The dispute against the 'showtime' marked Rafael's first title with UFC gloves, in 2015.
Today, the Brazilian occupies seventh position in the ranking led by Khabib Nurmagomedov. In his debut fight in the division, the Niteroi native had a great victory over Paul felderin November 2020.
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