Dos Anjos sends tough message to Chandler after veteran asks for title fight

Rafael dos Anjos after his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), Rafael dos Anjos, despite no longer being interested in remaining in the division, has shown he's keeping an eye on athletes who want to take his former title. After watching Michael Chandler challenge Islam Makhachev for the belt, the Brazilian didn't hesitate to express his irritation with the veteran's attitude and sent a harsh message to the athlete.

“How much is the opportunity to become a world champion worth? For some of us, the UFC belt is priceless. Mine certainly isn’t for sale. Chandler should stop with his motivational speeches like, ‘I see you at the top.’ It’s shameful…”, Rafael declared on his official ‘X’ account (formerly Twitter ).

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It didn't take long for Chandler to respond, ironically, to the Brazilian's attack.

“Cool story… see you at the top!!!”, published the North American.

Willing to create a rivalry scenario, the Brazilian took the opportunity to provoke a motivational phrase.

“I'm already here, friend. I haven’t seen you yet”, countered Dos Anjos.

Michael Chandler before his UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC_AUSNZ

Seeking new challenges, Dos Anjos recently stated that he plans to fight in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg) and requested that his name be removed from the lightweight rankings. Inactive since his loss to Mateusz Gamrot in March of this year, the fighter remains active with Nova União while waiting for a new opportunity to fight in the octagon.

How much is the opportunity to become a world champion worth? For some of us, there is no price on an UFC belt. Mine is certainly not for sale. Chandler should stop his “see you at the top” motivational speeches. It's embarrassing...

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 2, 2024

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