Turning 40 in mixed martial arts is like hitting the expiration date in a sport that devours youth. But Rafael dos Anjos has never been one to follow conventional wisdom. However, his birthday celebration at UFC 308 turned into something that belonged more in a medical drama than a fight highlight reel.
Fighting in Abu Dhabi against the hard-hitting Geoff Neal, Rafael dos Anjos experienced every athlete’s nightmare – that dreaded pop in his knee. The sound came early in the fight, during what seemed like a routine exchange of kicks. But in true warrior fashion, dos Anjos isn’t letting this setback write his final chapter.
“Definitely it was not how I want to celebrate my 40th birthday, it was a tough loss. Time to heal up, enjoy the family. I’m not done yet, I’ll be back soon. God bless you all,” wrote Dos Anjos via Instagram.
‘RDA’ has only two hospital trips in a career spanning over 15 years and 36 UFC fights. His first medical intervention came way back in 2010 after Clay Guida rearranged his jaw. This knee injury has him back to the medical center for what seems to be a lengthy rehab.
Rafael dos Anjos hasn’t tasted victory since late 2022, and this newest setback might force him into an extended vacation. But there’s something admirably stubborn about a fighter celebrating his 40th birthday by planning his return rather than his retirement party. The kind of determination that made him a champion in the first place.
Geoff Neal Reveals His Surprise After Getting Booked Against Rafael Dos Anjos At UFC 308
The UFC matchmaking department sometimes works in mysterious ways. Take Geoff Neal, for instance, who was surprised when he got the call to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 308. After back-to-back losses had left him planning an extended vacation, this booking came like finding an unexpected present.
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Geoff Neal came off a razor-thin split decision loss to Ian Machado Garry. The welterweight slugger probably expected to face another mid-ranked opponent trying to climb the ladder. Instead, the UFC dropped a living legend in his lap.
“It’s an honor man, it’s surprising, I didn’t think I was going to get something like that. I talked to UFC and told them I didn’t want to fight until September or October. But, I got RDA. I’m happy about it. He’s a legend of the sport, he is going to be in the Hall of Fame so I’m happy to fight him,” said Neal via Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com.
Neal predicted Rafael Dos Anjos would try to make the fight “dirty” with wrestling and clinch work. But he was confident in his skills. He believed he could touch him enough times to secure a late TKO. He did eventually get a TKO, but it was neither late nor due to constant punches, as ‘RDA’s’ knee just gave out.
Also Read: Robert Whittaker Details His “Achilles Heel” As He Updates Fans On His Health After UFC 308
