Former UFC champ Rafael dos Anjos reveals another injury setback
It's been a rough go for former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos.
For the third time in 14 months, dos Anjos (32-17 MMA, 21-15 UFC) underwent surgery Wednesday on his knee. The initial issues stemmed from an October 2024 bout vs. Geoff Neal, during which dos Anjos tore both his ACL and meniscus.
After his initial surgery in Brazil in November 2024, dos Anjos said he returned to training a half a year or so later. However, his knee repeatedly locked up, and he had a second surgery in Austin. Another half-year later, dos Anjos underwent the knife again, this time back in Brazil.
Despite his struggles, dos Anjos, 41, sounds like he is dead-set on competing again in what will be his 50th pro MMA bout.
Check out dos Anjos' full statement below:
"Today I went through my third knee surgery in a 14-month span. 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. At this stage of my career, a win means more than a paycheck. 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."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC champion reveals another injury setback
