Rafael dos Anjos Still Recovering from Torn MCL, Wants to Defend Title in December

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Rafael dos Anjos’ first lightweight title defense could come a little later than expected.

The Brazilian, who tore his MCL in training prior to UFC 185, has not yet been cleared to compete, according to a report from UFC Tonight. Dos Anjos’ manager, Ali Abdel-Aziz said that the 155-pound king is aiming for a December return to the Octagon.

Dos Anjos did not require surgery for the injury, and in March it was reported that he would need approximately three months of rehab and recovery. Abdel-Aziz said that Donald Cerrone would likely be first in line to face dos Anjos when he is ready to return.

Cerrone recently earned his eighth consecutive triumph at UFC 187, when broke John Makdessi’s jaw with a head kick 4:44 into the second round. Given “Cowboy’s” penchant for activity, it is currently unknown if he would be willing to wait until December for a title shot.

Dos Anjos captured lightweight gold with a lopsided five-round verdict at UFC 185 on March 15. The Kings MMA representative was the last man to defeat Cerrone, taking a unanimous decision over the WEC veteran at UFC Fight Night “Condit vs. Kampmann” in August 2013.