Dos Anjos Open To McGregor Fight After UFC 332

Rafael dos Anjos says he remains open to settling unfinished business with Conor McGregor, but the former lightweight champion has no intention of waiting around for a fight that might never materialize.

Dos Anjos, who faces Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332 this Saturday, told MMA Fighting's José Youngs that a McGregor matchup would be welcome if the timing aligns. The two were originally scheduled to fight for dos Anjos' lightweight title at UFC 197 in 2016 before an injury forced the Brazilian out. McGregor went on to his Nate Diaz blockbuster instead, while dos Anjos later surrendered his belt to Eddie Alvarez.

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Dos Anjos Won't Repeat Chandler's Long Wait

A decade on, dos Anjos remains interested but with clear boundaries. "That would be awesome," he said. "It's not about money, my life went on, I'm not going to do like Michael Chandler and sit on the sidelines for two years waiting for a fight that never happens." McGregor responded positively to the comments, writing "Thank you Rafael" under MMA Fighting's post.

The Irish star has not won a fight in over six years, with his most recent appearance ending after barely a minute when he suffered a knee injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July. Dos Anjos knows the struggle firsthand after tearing his ACL against Geoff Neal at UFC 308 in October 2024. He questions whether McGregor still has the hunger required to return. "He could come back, but he's got to want it," dos Anjos said. "If you're too comfortable with your life and with finances, you're not motivated, you're not going to come back."

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Saturday's bout marks dos Anjos' 50th professional fight and 37th inside the octagon. If he wins and McGregor targets an April return as he has suggested, the stars could finally align for a matchup that was supposed to happen a decade ago.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Rafael dos Anjos open to finally fighting Conor McGregor, but won’t ‘sit on the sidelines for 2 years’ like Michael Chandler