Rafael Estevam

BIOGRAPHY

dos Santos

Rafael Estevam dos Santos, more commonly known as Rafael Dos Anjos, is a Brazilian professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter who competes in the UFC’s lightweight division. Born on October 26th, 1984 in Niteroi, Brazil to a single mother and one of five siblings, he began training martial arts at a young age. He later trained with multiple world champions like Murilo Bustamante and Vitor Belfort before eventually becoming an instructor himself.

Dos Anjos made his professional MMA debut in 2004 when he defeated Antonio Silva by submission at IFC – Global Domination 4. After that fight he went on to win his next four bouts by either knockout or submission. During the same time period Dos Anjos also competed for Shooto Brazil where he won three additional fights in 2005-2006 before being invited to compete for the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting).

At WEC 39 Dos Anjos faced off against former champion Rob McCullough and was able to secure a unanimous decision victory which earned him “Fight of the Night” honors alongside McCullough. After defeating two more opponents with ease Dos Anjos was once again invited back into the WEC cage this time against current lightweight champion Ben Henderson where unfortunately due to an injury had to forfeit early into round two resulting in defeat via TKO after dislocating his shoulder mid round one.
Eventually afterward Dos Anjos returned back up full health just months later and resumed fighting under different promotions until being signed by Zuffa LLC (the parent company behind both UFC & WEC).

Competing now within the UFC promotion since 2008, it took him only seven fights before earning himself a shot at then-champion Benson Henderson’s title belt; however despite entering as an underdog it would be another disappointing moment for him after losing via decision yet again . From thereon out though fans would go onto see Rafael showcase some outstanding performances especially during 2015 when after winning four consecutive bouts consecutively over Donald Cerrone , Anthony Pettis , Nate Diaz , & Benson Henderson all within nine calendar months earning himself not only “Performance of The Night” but even “Fight Of The Night” awards throughout those respective fights should serve as good proof too how far along he’s come since his debut days prior inside IFC – Global Domination 4 event back in 2004 almost eleven years ago!

Outside of competing inside octagon Rafael can often be found participating charity events such as supporting educational initiatives around Brazil or helping build homes/schools etc.. When not doing so or taking part helping fellow students develop furthering their martial arts skillset you’ll often find him spending quality time either with family members / friends or simply taking part enjoying leisure activities whether that’d be playing football watching movies/series anything really! All things considered regardless if living life outside octagon discipline wise that’s been instilled ever since making competitive mixed martial arts has certainly helped mold both mind & body together combined leading towards success today something no doubt unto itself many can look up towards still inspired from!