Rafael dos Anjos’ next opponent has been announced.
Dos Anjos will put his UFC lightweight title on the line July 7 against Eddie Alvarez at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. UFC officials announced the 155-pound championship fight Friday.
BREAKING: UFC 155lbs title is on the line ONLY on #UFCFIGHTPASS, Thursday, July 7 @RdosAnjosMMA vs @Ealvarezfight! pic.twitter.com/BwxI5T2vat
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 15, 2016
This will be Dos Anjos’ second title defense and his first fight since Dec. 19. Dos Anjos, who won the UFC lightweight title from Anthony Pettis at UFC 185, was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor last month at UFC 196 but backed out with a foot injury. McGregor instead fought Nate Diaz, who pulled off an incredible upset.
McGregor is scheduled to fight Diaz in a much-anticipated rematch July 9 at UFC 200. Alvarez, a former lightweight title holder in Bellator MMA, thus will step in to face dos Anjos, who’s riding a five-match winning streak.
The dos Anjos-Alvarez bout will take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena, which is the same venue that will host UFC 200 two nights later.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images