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Rafael Dos Anjos Reveals Three Knee Surgeries Ahead of UFC 332 Return

He says surgical errors caused repeated meniscus damage and lingering inflammation, a history that frames his rematch with Alexander Hernandez on Oct. 3.

Overview

  • Dos Anjos disclosed on Wednesday that he underwent three operations on his left knee after the October 2024 injury that ended his fight at UFC 308.
  • He says the first surgery in Brazil attempted to stitch the meniscus, the repair failed months later, and a U.S. surgeon left stitches that caused inflammation and limited knee extension.
  • The retained-stitch inflammation required a third procedure early in 2026 and is the reason Dos Anjos gives for a roughly two-year absence from competition.
  • Now cleared to fight, the 41-year-old former lightweight champion is booked to rematch Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 and says he still has four fights left on his UFC contract.
  • Dos Anjos nearly considered retirement during the recovery but frames this return as a test of whether he can keep competing after a three-fight losing streak and extensive surgery history.