Rafael dos Anjos’ Lightweight Takeover
On March 14, 2015, Rafael dos Anjos defeated Anthony Pettis by unanimous decision at UFC 185 to capture the UFC lightweight championship.
From Brazilian jiu-jitsu to UFC champion
Brazilian veteran Rafael dos Anjos entered the UFC in 2008 with a Brazilian jiu-jitsu background and developed into a complete pressure fighter. He improved his boxing and wrestling while competing at lightweight, eventually establishing himself among the division’s top contenders.
Lightweight title and second-division run
Dos Anjos won the UFC lightweight championship by defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 in March 2015. He defended the title against Donald Cerrone later that year before losing to Eddie Alvarez in 2016. After moving to welterweight, he defeated Robbie Lawler by five-round unanimous decision and challenged for the interim championship against Colby Covington at UFC 225.
Dos Anjos later returned to lightweight and continued to headline UFC events. His longevity across two weight classes reflects strong conditioning, adaptable grappling and a willingness to meet elite competition throughout a long career.
Defining results and lasting impact
All three judges scored the five-round bout 50-45 for dos Anjos. He defended the championship by stopping Donald Cerrone in the first round in December 2015, before Eddie Alvarez defeated him by first-round TKO in July 2016. At welterweight, dos Anjos defeated Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision in December 2017 and later lost an interim title fight to Colby Covington at UFC 225. His success across two divisions reflected a combination of grappling, pressure and improved striking.
Beyond the headline results, the career reflects the demands of facing opponents with different strengths and tactics. Success required adjustments in range, pacing and defensive awareness, while defeats exposed the margins separating contenders at the highest level. The official fight outcomes offer a clearer picture of those achievements than highlight moments alone.
Career update (October 2026): Dos Anjos’ latest bout was a loss to Alexander Hernandez by second-round TKO at UFC 332 on October 3, 2026. Official record.
Sources
- UFC athlete profile and fight history
- UFC 185 official event results
- UFC 225 official event results
Article Tags
Rafael dos Anjos, UFC, MMA, Championship Fights, Combat Sports
