Rafael dos Anjos issues statement on loss to Kamaru Usman

Last Friday night, in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos stepped into the cage with streaking welterweight contender Kamaru Usman.

Although dos Anjos put forth an admirable effort in this fight, he was not able to withstand Usman’s relentless attack, and ultimately gave up a unanimous decision to his dangerous foe as a result.

While this is certainly not the outcome Rafael dos Anjos was hoping for, he seems to be in good spirits all the same. The Brazilian issued a quick statement on the setback on Instagram on Sunday.

Here’s what he had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq4HUuKAGWJ/

“It has been 15 years fighting MMA, 10 years of UFC, 39 fights, being the first Brazilian champion in lightweight. A lot of stories to tell, several fights in my career, several scars that I carry on my body. The fighter life is just the same. One day you win and another day you lose, but even in defeat I am grateful for my team, coaches, family, friends, fans, sponsors and God for the opportunity to use my gifts and live from what I love the most. I will always react with strength and dignity, even when things do not go my way, I will trust in the Lord who is in control of everything, I will turn around and I will come back stronger. Nothing like getting home and realizing how blessed I am with a beautiful family. THANK YOU EVERYONE.” – Rafael dos Anjos on Instagram.

With this loss to Kamaru Usman, Rafael dos Anjos falls onto a two fight skid, having also recently given up a decision to Colby Covington. Prior to these setbacks, he was 3-0 as a welterweight, defeating former Strikeforce champ Tarec Saffiedine, long-time contender Neil Magny, and former UFC champ Robbie Lawler. He’s now 28-11 overall.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/3/2018.