R. Dos Anjos agreed to face I. Makhachev on the condition of fighting K. Nurmagomedov. Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc
Challenged by Islam makhachev after the Russian victory in UFC 259, Rafael dos Anjos welcomed a possible confrontation against the promising lightweight (up to 70,3 kg). After being summoned to exchange forces with the 'successor of Khabib Nurmagomedov', the Niteroi native responded to the attack, but was surprised by the condition imposed. In his account Twitter, the Brazilian exchanged messages with his likely opponent.
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“If your 'brother' Khabib Nurmageomdov faces me after I beat you, let's do it,” Dos Anjos wrote.
It is worth remembering that, even though he holds the lightweight belt, the 'Eagle' has been officially retired since October 2020. The Russian legend retired from the sport after he unified the division title, in the UFC 254, and, at the time, justified his father's death as a strong point for his decision.
Upon learning of Rafael's response, Makhachev didn't take long to accept the Niteroi native's proposal. Confident of triumph, Islam sealed the verbal agreement and left the future in the hands of the Ultimate board.
“I will ensure that Khabib continues to enjoy his retirement. Let’s do it”, published the Russian.
Last weekend, Makhachev, who is considered by the current champion as his direct successor in the category, had a gala performance in front of Drew dober. After dominating his opponent for two rounds, the AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) pupil submitted his opponent with a surprising choke.
Dos Anjos, who returned to lightweight last season, is coming off a victory over Paul felder and currently occupies seventh position in the group. After UFC 259, Islam jumped three positions to 11th.
Rematch with Khabib
Willing to test himself against one of the best in MMA history, Dos Anjos has already had the opportunity to exchange forces against the Russian in the Octagon. The Brazilian shared the octagon with Nurmagomedov on one occasion, which took place in April 2014.
At the time, the Niteroi native ended up being another of the victims of the current champion, losing in a unanimous decision by the judges. Afterwards, however, Rafael achieved a turnaround in his career, scoring three consecutive victories and, subsequently, winning the linear title of the division, when he defeated Anthony Pettis (2015)
If your brother @TeamKhabib fight me after I beat you let's do it. https://t.co/V64Dwk4lH7
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) March 10, 2021
I'll make sure Khabib keeps enjoying his retirement. Let's go 👊🏼 https://t.co/OJwuVYNeln pic.twitter.com/Nyb26BCe9W
- Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 10, 2021
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