A showdown between McGregor and dos Anjos is ‘close’

Rafael dos Anjos believes a long-awaited showdown against Conor McGregor could be edging closer to becoming a reality.

The Brazilian recently moved back down to 155 pounds and edged out a narrow split decision win over Paul Felder. McGregor, on the other hand, is fresh off of a brutal TKO defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier.

The two were previously scheduled to meet at UFC 196 for dos Anjos’ UFC Lightweight Championship. However, after ‘RDA’ pulled out, Nate Diaz stepped in on short notice to fight the Irishman. That contest took place at welterweight with McGregor eventually returning to lightweight at UFC 205.

An inevitable meeting?

Five years later, dos Anjos has told AG Fight that he believes the fight is now a real possibility.

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“He (McGregor) is a guy who chooses his fights, and mine will always make sense. It had to happen and it didn’t happen. I think now that the pieces have moved in the division, it has a great chance of happening. But he has other options, such as the trilogies with (Nate) Diaz and (Dustin) Poirier. He’s a guy who is in front of me in the ranking and is close. The collision course was even closer, ” dos Anjos said.

While McGregor’s pride may have been damaged in losing to The Diamond, most fans are well aware that one or two impressive victories could get him right back in line for a title shot.

Sure, Rafael dos Anjos may not be the first name on everyone’s lips, but he’s a legitimate threat. Conor has more critics doubting his abilities than ever before, and dos Anjos is still more than credible, even at 36.

Mystic Mac will be desperate to get back and prove himself, and if a trilogy fight with Poirier doesn’t materialise, dos Anjos could be a logical choice.

Featured image credit: Getty

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