When he defeated Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision back in December, Rafael dos Anjos established himself as one of the top contenders in the stacked UFC welterweight division – perhaps the top contender outright. Since then, the Brazilian star has been angling for a title shot opposite reigning welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Woodley, meanwhile, has expressed interest in a number of other high-profile fighters, such as Georges St-Pierre and Conor McGregor, and simultaneously dismissed dos Anjos. Yet this doesn’t seem to have discouraged dos Anjos.
On Saturday, the former lightweight champ took to Twitter in an attempt to goad Woodley into a fight – and it did not take Woodley long to respond.
First @TWooodley was trying a super fight against @bisping, did not happen then he tried @GeorgesStPierre and then Diaz and now Connor. You feeling your time is up and you are getting desperate for a big fight #RDA #AndNew
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 13, 2018
Brother just stop🤦🏾♂️! Crap talking ain’t your thing. Chill I’ll get to you when I get a chance. @RdosAnjosMMA @ufc
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) January 13, 2018
That’s true talking
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 13, 2018
With his victory over Lawler, Rafael dos Anjos improved to 3-0 in the dangerous UFC welterweight division, as he’s also bested Tarec Saffiedine and Neil Magny since heading north from lightweight.
Woodley, meanwhile, last fought in July, when he thwarted Demian Maia to a unanimous decision win. This win was preceded by two chess matches with Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson – a draw and a majority decision win – and a thunderous, first-round knockout of Lawler, which earned him the welterweight title.
Though Rafael dos Anjos could well be the next man in line for a welterweight title shot, the surging Colby Covington also figures to be a part of that conversation. Time will tell.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/14/2018.