Rafael dos Anjos recently raised some eyebrows by calling Conor McGregor out of retirement, and now RDA’s presented his case, for why the timing’s right for the two to fight.
Dos Anjos explains why he and McGregor should throw down
As you surely know, not long ago, McGregor announced that he’s retiring (again). The former champ reported that he’s not excited about the “game” anymore, and he also made it clear he’s not happy that his next fight hasn’t been booked.
Well, despite McGregor’s retirement, dos Anjos proceeded to call the star out. The former lightweight champ didn’t get into specific details as to why, but his callout wasn’t too surprising. Since RDA was forced out of a planned 2016 fight with McGregor due to an injury, he’s challenged the star several times.
More recently, dos Anjos spoke with MMA Junkie, and he offered this explanation as to why he and McGregor should fight soon.
“The whole history,” dos Anjos said. “I was the lightweight champion, he was coming up to challenge me and also, I got a lot of fights. That was the only one that I didn’t make it.
That’s what I would like to have on my record, a fight with Conor. That’s why I tweeted out, ‘No more ifs.’ You see a lot of people say, ‘If that fight would’ve happened; If RDA won, If Conor won, what would’ve happened with Conor? If Conor had lost what would’ve happened?’
A lot of ifs. So it’s time to just put that thing on the table and let’s go. Let’s make this fight happen at any weight.”
And what about McGregor’s retirement? RDA offered this.
“I don’t believe he’s retiring right now,” dos Anjos said. “That’s his third time retiring. I’m not buying that.
I don’t think nobody is buying that. He’s too young and I believe he still has a lot in him. I don’t think he’s retiring right now.
“If you look at the whole situation, with me and Conor, I am ahead of him in the rankings at welterweight and this fight was supposed to happen four years ago and it didn’t happen.
That would be a great fight. That’s the fight to make.”
Thoughts?
So, as far as RDA’s comments here about McGregor not really retiring, he’s certainly not the only person to express that view. In fact, it seems like the vast majority of people don’t really think McGregor is done for good.
But what about RDA getting his wish? Could a bout with McGregor finally materialize?
On paper, there’s a lot to like about this fight, and it’s always been that way. But, it just doesn’t seem like a fight that’s very likely.
Dos Anjos has lost two straight and four of his last five. While those losses have come against top-tier competition, McGregor would have a lot more to lose than to gain, by fighting RDA right now.
If McGregor is going to risk another shot at the lightweight title, he’ll likely do so with a fight that will move some serious, serious pay-per-view buys. Like a fight with Jorge Masvidal or a rubber match with Nate Diaz.
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