Rafael dos Anjos targets 50th fight and end of three-bout skid against Hernandez at UFC 332

Rafael dos Anjos will make his long-awaited return to the octagon against Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on October 3, MMA Fighting confirmed with sources following an initial report from ESPN Brasil. The welterweight contest will mark the 50th professional bout of the 41-year-old Brazilian’s career.

Dos Anjos (32-17) has not competed since UFC 308 in October 2024, where a knee injury felled him inside 90 seconds before a technical knockout defeat. He was subsequently diagnosed with a torn ACL. The former lightweight champion now arrives carrying a three-fight losing streak, with earlier defeats to Mateusz Gamrot and Vicente Luque preceding that injury-marred exit.

Hernandez (18-9) enters the bout having suffered his own recent setback. The American lost a unanimous decision to Rafa Garcia in April 2026, ending a four-fight win streak that had included knockout victories over Diego Ferreira and Chase Hooper. His overall UFC record stands at 10-8.

For dos Anjos, the stakes extend beyond simply snapping a losing run. A fighter who once unified the lightweight division and challenged for the welterweight title, he remains one of the most decorated veterans on the UFC roster. Reaching 50 professional bouts is a milestone few fighters in the sport’s history have achieved, and doing so against a dangerous, hard-hitting opponent in Hernandez ensures the occasion carries genuine competitive weight.

UFC 332 is headlined at the top of the card by Deiveson Figueiredo versus Payton Talbott, though a formal main event has yet to be announced. The card also features Johnny Walker against Mick Parkin, Marvin Vettori versus Ismail Naurdiev, and Ateba Gautier taking on Roman Kopylov, among other bouts.