Where does Rafael Dos Anjos train? Gym, trainer, teammates and more about the former UFC champion

From the streets to the bright lights of the octagonRafael dos Anjos was a fighter all his life. As a child, the former UFC champion was involved in numerous street fights. His involvement in these confrontations ended when he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of nine. This decision would prove fateful as “RDA” would achieve the highest level of success possible in the sport of MMA.

With over two decades of professional fighting experience, he is not only a veteran, but also a former lightweight champion that remains the toughest and most competitive division in the world Dana White-led advertising still today. And one of the most important factors not only in his success but also in his longevity is his team and his coach, which we will take a closer look at in this article.

Meet Jason Parillo, Rafael dos Anjos’ coach

Rafael dos Anjos started training under Jason Parillo in 2016 after leaving his former gym, which we’ll talk about in more detail later. For his part, Parillo is a former boxer who has remained undefeated in his eight professional fights and is producing promising results. By then, a retinal detachment derailed his career and forced him to retire in 2003.

Luckily, his friend, Pat Tenorethe founder of the clothing and apparel brand RVCA, had decided to sponsor the former UFC champion BJ Penn. Penn wanted someone to work on his boxing before his rematch in 2007 Jens Pulverwho was an excellent boxer. Tenore introduced the two, which set Parillo on his MMA coaching journey.

Since then, the former boxer has trained MMA kings like Cris Cyborg, Michael Bisping, Tito Ortiz and of course Dos Anjos, who he has a huge soft spot for. Why? We’ll let Parillo explain it in his own words.

“What makes him special? [RDA] a special fighter and a special athlete? His resilience. The way he stays hungry and trains the way he does… He has goals too. He wants to leave his mark in this sport… Rafa doesn’t live like a rock star and I really think that plays a role. He leads a clean life, a good life.” Parillo said in an interview in 2019.

Everything we know about Rafael dos Anjos’ gym and teammates

‘RDA’ used to train there Kings MMA gym in California before switching to his current setup. What triggered this change? Well, it seems that after his unexpected defeat, dos Anjos felt it was time for a change Eddie Alvarez (who was a three-to-one underdog when he joined their team UFC Fight Night 90 title fight) in 2016.

Perhaps “RDA” was looking for a more experienced and accomplished coach to improve his hitting and came to train under Parillo RVCA Training Center in 2016. He also trains with the eponymous RDA Academy founded by him; as well as a seasonal contract to teach there Evolve MMA Gym in Singapore.

Unfortunately, the RVCA Center abruptly closed in 2023 after a change in ownership. Under Parillo, along with the aforementioned fighters, dos Anjos has shared the mat with Sean Strickland, Vitor Belfort, Mackenzie Dern and Marlon “Chito” Vera. What do you think about Rafael dos Anjos’ training situation?