Rafael dos Anjos is back in the cage. The former lightweight champion, 41 and 32-17, has not fought since October 2024 and 3 knee surgeries. He faces Alexander Hernandez, 33 and 18-9, on Saturday, October 3, at UFC 332 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, in the 50th fight of his career. He has lost 3 in a row.
Key takeaways
- Rafael dos Anjos (32-17) faces Alexander Hernandez (18-9) at lightweight at UFC 332 on October 3 in Salt Lake City, on the prelims.
- Dos Anjos, 41, has not fought since a TKO loss to Geoff Neal in October 2024, in which he tore his ACL and meniscus. He needed 3 surgeries.
- Hernandez, 33, won 4 of his last 5, including stoppages of Diego Ferreira and Chase Hooper, before a decision loss to Rafa Garcia in April.
Rafael dos Anjos' return, 2 years after his injury
A wrecked knee
In October 2024, dos Anjos hurt his knee in a TKO loss to Geoff Neal. The diagnosis: a torn ACL and meniscus, repaired over 3 surgeries.
3 losses to erase
That setback against Neal was his 3rd straight loss. At 41, and 42 at the end of the month, he returns despite some fans calling for him to retire.
Fight 50 of a long career
UFC 332 will be the former champion’s 50th pro fight; he is 21-15 in the UFC. His last lightweight win came in November 2020, against Paul Felder.
Alexander Hernandez, an opponent in form
4 wins in his last 5
Hernandez, 18-9 and 10-8 in the UFC, stayed active while dos Anjos recovered. He stopped Diego Ferreira and Chase Hooper along the way.
A setback in April
His 4-fight winning streak ended in April with a unanimous decision loss to Rafa Garcia.
An 8 year gap
At 33, Hernandez is 8 years younger than his opponent, with far more recent fights under his belt.
I don't like the guy, but I don't wish bad upon nobody, man.
Dos Anjos, McGregor and what comes next
A rivalry never settled
Ahead of his return, dos Anjos told MMA Fighting about the ACL injury of his old rival Conor McGregor. He says he does not like him, but wishes him no harm.
A fight that never happened
The 2 were set to meet for the lightweight title at UFC 196 in 2016 before dos Anjos withdrew with a foot injury. Dos Anjos leaves the door open without making it a priority.
Follow the fight
Dos Anjos’ and Hernandez’s records and our weekly lightweight rating are in the FightHub app, with the result as soon as the fight ends.
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