Rafael Dos Anjos Says Move To Welterweight Motivated By Money

Former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos announced a few months back that he was moving up a weight class to the welterweight division. Dos Anjos says the move up a weight class was a move motivated by money.

“For how much I’m making right now, it’s not worth it for me to make 155 (pounds),” Dos Anjos told MMA Junkie. “If it’s a superfight and I’ll make more money, I’ll do it. But (for) how much I’m making right now, it’s not worth it to put my body at that level of stress and (getting beat up).”

The former lightweight champion hasn’t competed since a decision loss to Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night 98. Although a fight has yet to be announced for his rebirth in the welterweight division, the Brazilian star expects to fight this June.

“I think the ideal date for me would be any day in June,” he said. “So I’m here in Fortaleza to have (conversations) because I know I’m going to have a fight soon. I have no idea about an opponent or where, but I’ll be ready in June. I want to fight one of the top guys. I was thinking about fighting Jorge Masvidal, but he’s fighting Demian (Maia), because me and Jorge, we’re the only two guys to beat Donald Cerrone in his last 15 fights. Now, I have no idea. I’m a former lightweight champion, and I want to fight the top guys in the division.”

When he finally does have that welterweight division fight, the former lightweight will also be riding a two fight losing streak.