Rafael “RDA” Dos Anjos

Rafael Souza dos Anjos is a Brazilian-American professional mixed martial artist born on October 26, 1984. 

He currently fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. 

He has also competed at Welterweight. 

As of November 2, 2021, he is #6 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

UFC Profile – Post-Championship Move to welterweight

Move to Welterweight

Dos Anjos vs. Saffiedline

Rafael Dos Anjos faced Tarec Saffiedine, former Strikeforce titleholder, in a welterweight bout on June 17, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Correia.

He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).

Dos Anjos vs. Magny

Rafael Dos Anjos faced Neil Magny on September 9, 2017, at UFC 215.

He won the fight via arm-triangle choke submission in the first round.

This win also earned Dos Anjos his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award.

Dos Anjos vs. Robbie Lawler

In a title eliminator, Dos Anjos faced former Champion Robbie Lawler on December 16, 2017, in the main event at UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Dos Anjos.

Dos Anjos‘ fight plan relied heavily on low leg kicks and constant combos consisting of body shots and leg kicks. 

He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Dos Anjos vs. Covington

Rafael fought Colby Covington on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225 for the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship.

He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Dos Anjos vs. Usman

Rafael faced Kamaru Usman on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Dos Anjos vs. Lee

Rafael Dos Anjos faced Kevin Lee in Lee’s welterweight debut at UFC Fight Night 152 on May 18, 2019.

He won the fight via an arm triangle submission in the fourth round.

Dos Anjos vs. Leon Edwards

Rafael Dos Anjos faced Leon Edwards on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Dos Anjos vs. Michael Chiesa

Dos Anjos later faced Michael Chiesa on January 25, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 166.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Return to Lightweight

Dos Anjos had to face Islam Makhachev on October 24, 2020, in his return to the lightweight division at UFC 254.

However, on October 8, 2020, it was reported that Dos Anjos tested positive for COVID-19 and he was removed from the bout.

The pairing was left intact and rescheduled for November 14, 2020, at UFC Fight Night. (Which became Felder vs. dos Anjos.)

However, on November 8, it was reported that Makhachev was forced to pull from the event due to injuries.

On a quick turnaround, it was announced Paul Felder stepped up to replace Makhachev on five days’ notice.

Simultaneously, Dos Anjos signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC and committed to compete in the lightweight division.

Dos Anjos went on to defeat Felder via split decision.

This fight earned him the Fight of the Night awards.