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Rafael dos Anjos, the former UFC lightweight champion, has said how long he will compete in MMA before retiring.
dos Anjos hasn't competed since defeating Bryan Barberena at UFC Orlando in December of last year. His only loss came against Rafael Fiziev in the UFC Fight Night main event last July. He has won three of his past four fights.
In recent years, especially following his most recent loss against Fiziev, dos Anjos, 38, has made retirement hints. Yet the former UFC champion's recent victory over Barberena could serve as the impetus for a comeback in his later years.
"I'm looking to finish my [contract] with UFC," dos Anjos answered. "7 more fights at 170. After that I'm planning to open a gym and teach martial arts. Martial arts changed my life and I'm looking forward to [changing] other people's [lives]."
Following his win against Barberena, dos Anjos used his post-fight Octagon interview to call out Conor McGregor. Earlier in their respective careers, the two were scheduled to face off for the UFC lightweight championship but dos Anjos withdrew due to an injury.
McGregor will fight Michael Chandler in his UFC rematch, which will take place at a later date, after the two fought as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31. Dos Anjos responded to a fan's query regarding the prospect of serving as the backup fighter for the eagerly anticipated contest.
dos Anjos intends to finish his UFC contract before hanging up his gloves, and the UFC welterweight class is full of potentially fascinating opponents.