​Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos issued a clash-notice to Bobby Green after Green’s standout performance at UFC 329. Green, who had endured a rough start against Terrance McKinney, absorbed the early onslaught and rallied to secure a dramatic first-round TKO with just one second remaining on the clock. At 39 years old, Green extended his winning streak to four and is creeping toward the UFC’s top-15 rankings, a testament to what many consider the peak phase of his 14-year UFC run.
The praise, and the call-out, came via social media, where dos Anjos—once the lightweight king and a potential Hall of Famer—targeted Green for a showdown at UFC 331, scheduled for September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. dos Anjos posted on X: “Give me Bobby Green in LA for my next one. #UFC329.” This proposed matchup would place two seasoned veterans opposite each other, adding a compelling storyline to the card and offering a significant test for Green as he continues to push past the early-career peaks that propelled him to the brink of title contention.
In recent years, dos Anjos has navigated a weight-class shift, moving up to welterweight for his latest bout, which resulted in a TKO defeat at the hands of Geoff Neal—an outcome that came after a knee injury suffered at UFC 308. Returning to the lightweight division seems a natural course for the former champion, who has spent the bulk of his professional career competing in this weight class. The move could also be strategic: after a trio of losses, dos Anjos is eager to regain momentum, with his last victory dating back to December 2022 when he submitted Bryan Barberena.
At 41, dos Anjos is among the elder statesmen of the UFC roster, yet his name carries substantial draw and credibility. Green, already 39, is similarly seasoned, and a fight between them would pit two veterans against one another, potentially stoking intrigue and drawing attention from long-time fans and casual observers alike. The prospect also presents an opportunity for Green to test his current form against a former champion who has conquered the sport in the past and who remains a prominent figure in the lightweight conversation.
Whether UFC matchmakers see value in pairing dos Anjos with Green remains to be seen, but the idea has the makings of a compelling, high-stakes bout. It would give Green a chance to extend his win streak while presenting dos Anjos with a meaningful, high-profile test as he looks to re-energize his career within the Octagon’s storied history. The MMA community will be watching to see if this potential booking comes to fruition, as fans crave the clash of two decorated veterans and the chance to witness a battle of tactical combat, grit, and durability.
This article originally appeared on HEAVY, and the broader story surrounding Green’s UFC 329 victory and dos Anjos’s call-out has sparked discussion across the sport’s fanbase. For readers seeking ongoing coverage of UFC rankings, upcoming cards, and fighter news, stay tuned to HEAVY for updates and insights as matchmakers weigh this intriguing veteran-to-veteran matchup.