RDA claims he’s “overqualified” to compete for the BMF title

Rafael dos Anjos isn’t interested in fighting for the BMF title. The former UFC lightweight champion recently weighed in on the lofted ‘Baddest Motherf**ker’ status and claimed he’s overqualified to compete for the symbolic championship. 

Dos Anjos is a battle-hardened veteran of the sport. Having fought world-class opponents at lightweight and welterweight, he secured the 155-pound strap after a dominant decision win over Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 in 2015. Three years later, he came up short against Colby Covington in a bid to secure the interim welterweight title. The Brazilian’s resume includes names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis, Tony Ferguson, Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards. 

Given his impressive career as an MMA fighter, many believe Rafael dos Anjos deserved to fight for the BMF title. However, ‘RDA’ isn’t keen on wasting time on a symbolic title after holding undisputed status in the past. 

He is now slated to face Vicente Luque at UFC Vegas 78 this weekend. At the media day presser, he was asked if he’s ever considered challenging for the BMF title. He stated:

“I don’t think I make the requirements for that fight, to fight for the BMF. I’m a former champion, I held the undisputed belt. Guys that fight for the belt never held a championship before.”

Rafael dos Anjos on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler 

Rafael dos Anjos recently weighed in on a potential Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler bout. The Brazilian is of the opinion that ‘Iron’ doesn’t deserve the fight and believes he got lucky due to the tradition of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) coaches fighting after the show ends. 

McGregor has been away from the octagon since 2021 due to suffering an injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. After over two years of physical rehabilitation, the Irishman is apparently ready to make his long-awaited return. McGregor and Chandler were roped in as coaches on TUF 31 and the former Bellator lightweight champion is expected to welcome ‘The Notorious’ back to competition. 

In the same UFC Vegas 78 media day presser, Rafael dos Anjos was asked for his thoughts on the proposed matchup. He stated:

“He fights whoever he wants, he picks his fights. I think it makes sense because of the show. To be honest with you, I don’t think Chandler deserves that fight. There’s other guys that deserve that fight. But I think it will make sense because of the show and all of that. Usually, all of the coaches fight at the end of the show. Nothing against Chandler, but I think there are other guys that deserve that fight. Justin Gaethje is a guy who fought everybody, would make sense if he got that fight.”