Rafael dos Anjos, the former UFC lightweight champion, has signaled through his social channels that he is prepared to return to the octagon. The Brazilian veteran, known for his relentless pace and technical pressure, has been weighing two specific paths back to action in the 155-pound division. He declared that only two opponents would pull him back into competition at lightweight: a title clash with Islam Makhachev and a bout against Conor McGregor.
Dos Anjos, now 38 years old, has built a storied career with 46 professional MMA fights, tallying 32 wins along the way. His most recent outing ended in a victory over Brian Barberena, a fight where his grappling and submission game threatened the pace of the encounter from the opening bell. The win kept him near the top of the lightweight discussion, and it underscored that the former champion remains a constant threat whenever he steps back into the cage.
Islam Makhachev cemented his position by defeating Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 284, a bout held in Perth, Australia. The victory marked the Russian fighter’s 24th professional win and solidified his status as the lightweight titleholder, following his earlier win over Charles Oliveira to claim the crown. The result at UFC 284 also reminded fans and analysts that the 155-pound division is highly dynamic, with matchups that can alter the title landscape in a single night.
Incidental reports have lately foreshadowed Islam Makhachehvs’s potential prominence at UFC 294 in October, fueling speculation about the heavier storyline around the lightweight division and who might be positioned to chase the title next. Dos Anjos’ public statements add a new layer to the ongoing discourse, inviting fans to imagine a return that would place him directly in the mix with the division’s current elite. The veteran’s patience, experience, and readiness to engage in high-stakes confrontations reflect the enduring appeal of matchups that blend seasoned grappling with explosive striking.
For fans, the possibility of a dos Anjos versus Makhachev or a dos Anjos versus McGregor pairing represents more than just a bout. It is a narrative about resilience, longevity, and the evolving face of the lightweight division. Dos Anjos has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt his strategy to meet a wide range of opponents, from technical grinders to high-volume strikers. His candid stance on who he would consider stepping back into the cage for provides a window into the mindset of a fighter who knows exactly what it takes to compete at the sport’s highest level. This clarity helps friends and followers understand the kinds of challenges that could reignite a title run or redefine what a comeback could look like at this stage of his career.
As the sport continues to evolve, fans in Canada and the United States can watch closely how the lightweight scene unfolds. The interplay between a fighter like Makhachev, who has proven championship credentials, and a veteran with a long list of elite-level performances, creates a compelling dynamic. At the same time, a high-profile matchup with McGregor would bring a different kind of spectacle, combining crossover appeal with the tactical depth that dos Anjos has consistently delivered when the cage doors close. Analysts will be watching whether the callouts translate into formal negotiations and whether the schedule aligns with the fighters’ plans for the rest of the year.
In the broader context of UFC history, stories like these highlight the way a title race can hinge on a handful of performances that occur over a short window. The lightweight division remains one of the most competitive in mixed martial arts, with shifting rankings, surprise contenders, and the constant possibility of a title chalking up a new chapter. Dos Anjos’ willingness to entertain landmark battles emphasizes his position as a seasoned veteran who still believes he can compete at the highest level when the circumstances align. The dialogue surrounding his potential return continues to captivate followers across North America, with fans weighing the odds, recalling his most memorable decisions, and imagining which rival would present the toughest test at this stage of his career.
As the sport moves forward, the official confirmations and real-world negotiations will determine the next chapter in dos Anjos’s journey. Until then, fans can reflect on a career marked by adaptability, tenacity, and a willingness to face the sport’s most daunting challenges. The conversation around his next steps serves as a reminder that even seasoned champions can re-enter competition with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to prove that experience remains a decisive advantage inside the cage. [Citation: UFC records and event history]