UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos continues to push for a spot on the UFC 200 card opposite either Nate Diaz or welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.
But officials are not interested.
In a report on “UFC Tonight” Wednesday, dos Anjos’ pleas to compete at the July mega-event have fallen by the wayside. Instead, the promotion has told the champion they have “different plans for his next fight.”
Dos Anjos (25-7) scored a December victory over top contender Donald Cerrone and was set to meet Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in a champion vs. champion match. An injured foot, though, knocked dos Anjos out and opened the door for Diaz.
Despite earning a decision over Diaz in 2014, both fighters appear willing to engage once again.
That win is part of a five-fight streak of victories for the Brazilian, who has also bested Anthony Pettis, Benson Henderson and Jason High since a decision defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is 14-5 over 19 appearances inside the Octagon and owns 13 finishes.
