Issue 121

November 2014

Revealing the preparation that went into the Brazilian’s huge upset victory over former UFC champ Benson Henderson.

FRIDAY 1ST

It’s another day of sparring at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California. After six tough rounds with his teammates, Rafael Dos Anjos straps on his gloves to go one more round, this time with his young son.

SUNDAY 3RD

Dos Anjos takes some time out of his intense training schedule to enjoy some leisure time paddle boarding with his family.

WEDNESDAY 6TH

It’s a day of grappling for the UFC 155lb contender. Among his training partners for the day are MMA veterans and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts Fabricio Werdum, Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral and Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller.

THURSDAY 7TH

The fighter unwinds after another tough day of training, slipping comfortably into his role as husband and spending some time with his wife, Cris.

TUESDAY 12TH

The Dos Anjos family are joined by close friends as they celebrate the birthday of Rafael’s wife. “Celebrating the birthday of my princess,” he posts on Instagram along with a photo of the party.

THURSDAY 14TH

Enjoying the attention of finally being a main event fighter, the Dos Anjos household is visited by a camera crew from Globo International, which is filming for part of its Planet Brazil show.

TUESDAY 19TH

Fight week has finally arrived and an excited ‘RDA’ jumps on a plane with his team and heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the UFC Fight Night 49 main event. Former WEC and UFC champion Benson Henderson awaits on August 23rd.

SATURDAY 23RD

Rafael makes his way to the Octagon inside the BOK Center as the UFC’s fifth-ranked lightweight. In an explosive turn of events, he pulls off an incredible underdog victory via knockout in the very first round. The win moves him up to number three in his weight class and closer to a title shot.