Rafael dos Anjos announces move to 170: ‘I’ll fight happier’

After a couple of tough losses at lightweight, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos wants a fresh start in 2017. RDA recently revealed to Combate that he believes he achieved all he could at lightweight and wants to start over at welterweight.

“I achieved everything I had to achieve at lightweight. Besides, it has been really hard to make weight. I fought five times between 2014 and 2015 and my body changed a bit during that title run. When I defended my belt against Donald Cerrone, I felt my body had changed. Against Eddie Alvarez was even worse and against Tony Ferguson was even harder. So I decided to start 2017 with new challenges and I think I’ll fight happier in that division because it’s almost 15 fewer pounds I’ll have to lose.”

Rafael dos Anjos was knocked out by Eddie Alvarez in July and dropped a decision to Tony Ferguson in November. His last win dates back to December 2015, when he knocked out Donald Cerrone in the first round. No news yet on who his first fight at 170 will be against.