Best fights of Rafael dos Anjos
Over 20 years as a professional, Rafael dos Anjos has compiled a 32-17 (16) record, including four title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Rafael dos Anjos KOs Donald Cerrone in their 2nd fight
On December 19, 2015 Rafael dos Anjos defended his UFC lightweight title against Donald Cerrone. It was their second meeting. Anjos was 31 years old with a record of 24-7, and Cerrone was 32 with a record of 28-6. Anjos was on a 4-fight winning streak and Cerrone was on a 8-fight winning streak. Anjos stopped Donald Cerrone via TKO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
2. Rafael dos Anjos KOs Benson Henderson
On August 23, 2014 Rafael dos Anjos faced Benson Henderson in a lightweight bout. Anjos was 29 years old with a record of 21-7, and Henderson was 30 with a record of 21-3. Anjos was coming off a win and Henderson was on a 2-fight winning streak. Anjos stopped Benson Henderson via KO in the 1st round.
3. Rafael dos Anjos defeats Anthony Pettis
On March 14, 2015 Rafael dos Anjos fought Anthony Pettis for the UFC lightweight title. Anjos was 30 years old with a record of 23-7, and Pettis was 28 with a record of 18-2. Anjos was on a 3-fight winning streak and Pettis was on a 5-fight winning streak. Anjos won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
4. Rafael dos Anjos defeats Robbie Lawler
On December 16, 2017 Rafael dos Anjos faced Robbie Lawler in a welterweight bout. Anjos was 33 years old with a record of 27-9, and Lawler was 35 with a record of 28-11. Anjos was on a 2-fight winning streak and Lawler was coming off a win. Anjos won via unanimous decision.
5. Rafael dos Anjos submits Kevin Lee
On May 18, 2019 Rafael dos Anjos faced Kevin Lee in a welterweight bout. Anjos was 34 years old with a record of 28-11, and Lee was 26 with a record of 17-4. Anjos was on a 2-fight losing streak and Lee was coming off a loss. Anjos submitted Kevin Lee via arm-triangle choke in the 4th round.
6. Rafael dos Anjos defeats Nate Diaz
On December 13, 2014 Rafael dos Anjos faced Nate Diaz in a lightweight bout. Anjos was 30 years old with a record of 22-7, and Diaz was 29 with a record of 17-9. Anjos was on a 2-fight winning streak and Diaz was coming off a win. Anjos won via unanimous decision.
7. Rafael dos Anjos submits Neil Magny
On September 9, 2017 Rafael dos Anjos faced Neil Magny in a welterweight bout. Anjos was 32 years old with a record of 26-9, and Magny was 30 with a record of 19-5. Both Anjos and Magny were coming off a win. Anjos submitted Neil Magny via arm-triangle choke in the 1st round.
8. Rafael dos Anjos defeats Donald Cerrone
On August 28, 2013 Rafael dos Anjos faced Donald Cerrone in a lightweight bout. Anjos was 28 years old with a record of 19-6, and Cerrone was 30 with a record of 20-5. Anjos was on a 4-fight winning streak and Cerrone was coming off a win. Anjos won via unanimous decision.
9. Rafael dos Anjos submits Bryan Barberena
On December 3, 2022 Rafael dos Anjos faced Bryan Barberena in a welterweight bout. Anjos was 38 years old with a record of 31-14, and Barberena was 33 with a record of 18-8. Anjos was coming off a loss, while Barberena was on a 3-fight winning streak. Anjos submitted Bryan Barberena via neck crank in the 2nd round.
10. Rafael dos Anjos defeats Evan Dunham
On May 18, 2013 Rafael dos Anjos faced Evan Dunham. Anjos was 28 years old with a record of 18-6, and Dunham was 31 with a record of 14-3. Anjos was on a 3-fight winning streak and Dunham was coming off a win. Anjos won via unanimous decision.