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BREAKING: Islam Makhachev Takes On Rafael Dos Anjos on UFC 267 in October
Islam Makhachev is set to return to action against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 267. The pair were set to clash beforehand. However, injury to Makhachev forced him to withdraw then. Nevertheless, the fight is finally happening and it is expected to be a barn-burner.
The UFC 267 pay-per-view will take place on October 30. The lightweight duo will clash in a 3-round contest. Makhachev and Dos Anjos have had some back-and-forth exchanges recently on social media. The former lightweight champion issued a warning to his Dagestani opponent after the official announcement of the contest.
Islam Makhachev and RDA will settle their unfinished business
Both sides have agreed to the lightweight bout at UFC 267 on Oct. 30. (via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/ij12IThmjf
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 3, 2021
“He’s been talking a lot of crap, let’s see who is who now,” Dos Anjos said to ESPN in a recent interview. “I’m looking at this as a No. 1 contender’s match, The winner should fight for the title,” said Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz.
“If Islam wins, he should fight for the title next. And I’m predicting a finish by submission late in the second round or early in the third,” Abdelaziz added further.
Makhachev defeated Thiago Moises in his first UFC main event recently. The Dagestani earned a submission win. This was his second submission win this year having previously defeated Drew Dober at UFC 259 as well.
Islam Makhachev vs Rafael Dos Anjos: early breakdown
Dos Anjos has fought only killers throughout the course of his UFC career. The former champion has also faced former lightweight kingpin and Makhachev’s training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov. But he was out grappled in that contest.
Many believe Makhachev possesses a similar style to ‘The Eagle’. Whether he can defeat Dos Anjos and catapult in the division’s rankings, remains to be seen. This will be hands down Makhachev’s biggest test to date. How the Dagestani fares will give a judgment of his future.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 14: Rafael Dos Anjos of Brazil reacts after his victory over Paul Felder in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 14, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Dos Anjos is coming off a win against Paul Felder in his last fight. He announced his return to the lightweight division, where he was once a champion, in style. A successful outing against a prospect like Makhachev will make him relevant as a title challenger yet again.
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