Alexander Hernandez stops Rafael dos Anjos in round 2 at UFC 332, the former champion takes off his gloves
Alexander Hernandez spoiled Rafael dos Anjos’ return. On Saturday in Salt Lake City, the American stopped the former lightweight champion by TKO at 3:12 of round 2 at UFC 332. Dos Anjos, 41, was coming back after 2 years out and 3 surgeries. He took off his gloves in the cage without announcing his retirement.
Key takeaways
- Alexander Hernandez beats Rafael dos Anjos by TKO (punches) at 3:12 of round 2 at UFC 332.
- Dos Anjos, 41, took off his gloves after the fight but did not announce his retirement, in the cage or on Instagram.
- Hernandez moves to 19-9 and earns a 25,000-dollar finish bonus. Dos Anjos drops to 32-18.
Alexander Hernandez turns the fight around
Round 1 goes to dos Anjos
The Brazilian came forward from the start and made Hernandez back up. He landed to the body and the head, to the point that Joe Rogan said he looked back in championship form. Dos Anjos says he was caught by a hook in the final seconds of the round.
The round 2 knockdown
After the restart, Hernandez dropped him with a jab, according to Cageside Press. He then took control on the ground.
Stopped at 3:12
When dos Anjos tried to stand, Hernandez landed a right hand followed by a volley of punches. The referee stopped the fight at 3:12 of round 2.
Rafael dos Anjos: gloves off, no announcement
The gesture
After the stoppage, dos Anjos took off his gloves, a gesture that often signals the end of a career. He did not lay them down in the center of the cage and was not given the microphone.
His message
On Instagram, he thanked his supporters and said he felt blessed to compete again after 2 rough years and 3 surgeries. He does not mention retirement.
His path
A former UFC lightweight champion, dos Anjos had not fought since October 2024 and his knee injury against Geoff Neal. His record now stands at 32-18.
Unfortunately, I couldn't win tonight, but I'm just blessed I'm able to compete again after a rough two years, three surgeries.
Hernandez back on track, with a bonus
The record
Hernandez, 33, moves to 19-9. He bounces back from his decision loss to Rafa Garcia in April.
The bonus
His win inside the distance earned him 1 of the 6 finish bonuses of 25,000 dollars handed out after the event.
Follow the lightweights
The full results of the night, dos Anjos’ profile and our lightweight rating are in the FightHub app.
- Rafael dos Anjos returns after 2 years out against Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332, in his 50th fight
- UFC bonuses explained: how the $100,000 awards and the $25,000 finish bonus work in 2026
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