Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos will make a return to the octagon against another UFC veteran Vicente Luque. Although the fight isn’t official yet, sources confirm that both fighters have agreed to the fight and will most probably headline UFC Fight Night on July 15th.
Luque, who is regarded as one of the most thrilling competitors on the roster, has lost his last two fights after consecutive defeats. Luque has been a mainstay in the welterweight rankings in recent years. New Jersey-born Brazilian lost to Belal Muhammad and Geoff Neal after racking up four straight victories, including finishes over Tyron Woodley and Michael Chiesa, two former UFC champions.
Fight news soon!! Another 5 rounds main event. Love itđđŒđ„
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) April 29, 2023
Dos Anjos on the other hand has openly admitted that this is the last phase of his career as he wishes to open his own martial art facility after retirement. The retirement though isn’t coming anytime soon. “I’m looking to finish my [contract] with UFC,” dos Anjos answered. “7 more fights at 170. After that I’m planning to open a gym and teach martial arts. Martial arts changed my life and I’m looking forward to [changing] other people’s [lives].”
RDA in a tweet a few weeks ago had said, “Not looking for retirement any time soonâŠtook a look at my records and Iâve been very competitive in all my fights against high-level guys. Still got a lot on me. Gonna write my name on MMA/UFC history with more fights and hours on the octagon.” Do Anjos at his peak was one of the most technically skilled fighter in the lightweight division. The 38-year-old claimed the 155lbs gold in 2015 when he defeated then champion Anthony Pettis.
Rafael Dos Anjos vs Vicente Luque match-up
Luque, 31, is currently on a two-fight losing streak. After winning four fights in a row against top contenders, Luque suffered back-to-back losses from the hands of Belal Muhammad and Geoff Neal last year. Dos Anjos on the other hand is coming off an impressive submission victory against Bryan Barberena back in December 2022 and will look to continue on that momentum.
RDA is currently ranked 9th in the 155lbs division but this fight is one up a weight class at 170. Both the fighters hail from Brazil and expectedly have elite grappling skills. But as we mostly see in fighting, when two grapplers meet, the fight turns out to be a standup war and that’s something one could expect on July 15th.
