Former UFC Champ Reveals Another Knee Surgery

Rafael dos Anjos undergoes third knee procedure in 14 months, determined to fight again

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos has undergone his third knee surgery in the past 14 months after previously tearing his ACL and meniscus in October 2024. Despite the setbacks, the 41-year-old fighter says he is determined to return to the Octagon for his 50th professional fight, driven by a desire for legacy rather than money.

Why it matters

Dos Anjos' persistent knee issues highlight the physical toll of a long MMA career, as well as the challenges fighters face in recovering from major injuries. His determination to compete again despite multiple surgeries speaks to the competitive spirit of veteran athletes seeking to cement their legacy.

The details

Dos Anjos first tore his ACL and meniscus in an October 2024 bout against Geoff Neal. After initial surgery in Brazil, he returned to training about six months later, but his knee continued to lock up, requiring a second procedure in Austin to clean out his meniscus. However, that surgery was complicated by the previous doctor leaving suture threads in his joint, leading to ongoing inflammation. Dos Anjos underwent a third surgery on January 28, 2026 to address the issue.

  • In November 2024, Dos Anjos had surgery in Brazil after tearing his ACL and meniscus.
  • About six to seven months later, Dos Anjos started training again but his knee kept locking up.
  • In early 2025, Dos Anjos had a second surgery in Austin, Texas to clean out his meniscus.
  • Five months after the second surgery, Dos Anjos still wasn't regaining full muscle mass or mobility.
  • On January 28, 2026, Dos Anjos underwent his third knee surgery in 14 months.

The players

Rafael dos Anjos

A 41-year-old former UFC lightweight champion who has undergone three knee surgeries in the past 14 months as he tries to extend his MMA career.

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What they’re saying

“Today I went through my third knee surgery in a 14-month span. I wanted to share a little about how this journey has been for me.”

— Rafael dos Anjos (Instagram)

“I'm doing this because I truly believe I still have a couple fights left in me. I'm fighting for legacy, not money. At this stage of my career, a win means more than a paycheck. I don't want to step into the Octagon just to collect a check, I want to win.”

— Rafael dos Anjos (Instagram)

What’s next

Dos Anjos hopes to return to the Octagon by summer 2026 for his 50th professional fight, once he has fully recovered from his latest knee surgery.

The takeaway

Dos Anjos' perseverance in the face of multiple major injuries highlights the physical toll of a long MMA career, as well as the drive of veteran fighters to cement their legacy through one final run. His determination to compete again, rather than simply collect a paycheck, speaks to the competitive spirit that has defined his storied UFC tenure.