Fans can expect to see the best version of Rafael dos Anjos yet.
That’s according to former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo who has been training with Dos Anjos ever since the latter decided to spend his camp at Nova Uniao for his lightweight fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 254.
Unfortunately, Dos Anjos recently tested positive for COVID-19 which meant he had to withdraw from the October 24 fight. However, based on what Aldo had seen in training camp, “RDA” may be at his absolute best when he is ready to compete again.
“Unfortunately he was caught by COVID-19. He was in such a great shape,” Aldo told Sherdog.com backstage at a launch event for Wanderlei Silva’s biography last week. “But I can guarantee that as soon as he recovers, the fans will see the best Rafael dos Anjos ever.”
Dos Anjos is currently on a two-fight losing streak and has lost four of his last five outings at welterweight.
That prompted a move back to the lightweight division and as far as head coach Andre Pederneiras is concerned, Dos Anjos has returned to reclaim his old title.
“He is such a tough kid, complete everywhere,” he said. “Actually, it was a great exchange. I think we were able to help him a lot due to the amazing amount of lightweight sparring partners we have here and also to improve his takedown defense in the cage.
“For what I saw here, I believe he is returning to lightweight to fight for the title.”
Aldo also took part in the camp with Dos Anjos and that is partly because he has his next fight booked. However, all he could reveal was the month of the fight.
“Unfortunately the UFC did not authorize me to release the name, but we will fight in November,” Aldo added. “By December 2021, I want to be the owner of bantamweight belt.”
Aldo is notably coming off a fifth-round TKO loss to Petr Yan when they competed for the vacant bantamweight title at UFC 251 in July.