Rafael dos Anjos details another injury setback amid comeback: ‘I still have a couple fights left in me’

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos has been handed another injury setback.

dos Anjos last competed back in at UFC 308 in October of 2024 against Geoff Neal, and in the first round, he tore his ACL. Since then, the Brazilian has been rehabbing, but he had another injury setback, which will keep him out for the foreseeable future.

“Today I went through my third knee surgery in a 14-month span,” Rafael dos Anjos wrote on Instagram. “I wanted to share a little about how this journey has been for me. In November 2024, I tore my ACL and meniscus. I flew to Brazil and had surgery there. The doctor decided to stitch the meniscus, trying to save it for the long term. Unfortunately, for the short term, that wasn’t the best decision. Six to seven months later, when I started training again, my knee kept locking up, and I had to go through another procedure m, a meniscus clean-out in Austin Texas, with a different doctor.

“It was supposed to be a simple surgery, but five months later I still wasn’t gaining my muscle mass back and couldn’t get close to 100%. After flying back to Brazil and getting new images done, we found out the doctor in Texas had left all the suture threads inside my joint, which was most likely causing constant inflammation and holding me back. So this morning, I went under my third surgery in 14 months. I’m doing this because I truly believe I still have a couple fights left in me. I’m fighting for legacy, not money.”

Rafael dos Anjos vows to return to fighting

Although dos Anjos is 41 and will be 42 in October, the Brazilian is confident he will fight again.

Rafael dos Anjos doesn’t want to fight just for the monet, instead, it’s because of his legacy as he still believes he can win in the UFC.

“At this stage of my career, a win means more than a paycheck,” dos Anjos added. “I don’t want to step into the Octagon just to collect a check, I want to win. My next fight will be my 50th professional fight, and I want to make sure that when I step in there, I’m at 100%. I love to win, I’m trusting the process, and I know God has bigger plans than I can even imagine.

“Right now, my focus is on recovery and on opening my gym this coming spring in Austin. Hopefully, by summer, I’ll be back in the Octagon fighting again for the UFC. Thank you to all my fans for the love and support, it truly means everything.”

Rafael dos Anjos is 32-17 as a pro and is on a three-fight losing streak. His last win came in December of 2022 when he submitted Bryan Barberena.

Would you like to see Rafael dos Anjos fight in the UFC again? Sound off in the comment section, PENN Nation!