Thiago Santos

Fighter Facts

• Team Werdum member on TUF Brazil 2
  
   
• Pro since 2010
  
   
• Fifteen wins by KO, one by submission (RNC)
  
   
• Eight first round finishes
  
   
• Has won five of his last ten
  
   
• Origin of nickname: “My master Philip gave me the nickname ‘Marreta’ due to all my wins by knockout.”

UFC History

UFC on ESPN (8/6/22) Santos was stopped by Jamahal Hill via strikes at 2:31 of the fourth round 

UFC Fight Night (3/12/22) Santos lost a five round unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev 

UFC Fight Night (10/2/21) Santos won a five round unanimous decision over Johnny Walker

UFC 259 (3/6/21) Santos lost a three round unanimous decision to Aleksandar Rakic

UFC on ESPN (11/7/20) Santos was submitted by Glover Teixeira via rear naked choke at 1:49 of the third round

UFC 239 (7/6/19) Santos lost a five round split decision to Jon Jones in a fight for the UFC light heavyweight title

UFC Fight Night (2/23/19) Santos stopped Jan Blachowicz via strikes at :39 of the third round

UFC 231 (12/8/18) Santos knocked out Jimi Manuwa at :41 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (9/22/18) Santos defeated Eryk Anders via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of round three

UFC 227 (8/4/18) Santos won a three round unanimous decision over Kevin Holland

UFC Fight Night (4/21/18) Santos was knocked out by David Branch at 2:30 of the first round

UFC Fight Night (2/3/18) Santos stopped Anthony Smith via strikes at 1:03 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (10/28/17) Santos stopped Jack Hermansson via strikes at 4:59 of the first round

UFC 213 (7/8/17) Santos stopped Gerald Meerschaert via strikes at 2:04 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (2/19/17) Santos stopped Jack Marshman via strikes at 2:21 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (9/24/16) Santos was submitted by Eric Spicely via rear naked choke at 2:58 of the first round

UFC 200 (7/9/16) Santos was knocked out by Gegard Mousasi at 4:32 of the first round

UFC 198 (5/14/16) Santos knocked out Nate Marquardt at 3:39 of the first round

UFC Fight Night (12/10/15) Santos won a three round unanimous decision over Elias Theodorou

UFC Fight Night (6/27/15) Santos knocked out Steve Bosse at :29 of the first round

UFC 183 (1/31/15) Santos stopped Andy Enz via strikes at 1:56 of the first round

UFC 175 (7/5/14) Santos lost a three round unanimous decision to Uriah Hall

UFC Fight Night (3/23/14) Santos stopped Ronny Markes via strikes at :53 of the first round

UFC 163 (8/3/13) Santos was submitted by Cezar Ferreira via guillotine choke at :47 of the first round

The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, Season 2

On episode nine (quarterfinals), Santos lost a unanimous decision to Leonardo Santos

On episode eight, Santos won a unanimous decision over Pedro Irie

On episode one, Santos won a majority decision over Gil Freitas

Q&A

When and why did you start training for fighting? After eight years in capoeira. I always liked sports, I saw capoeira, and it was close to home so I started training. Then I wanted something more aggressive and I migrated to pro Muay Thai and I really found myself.

What ranks and titles have you held? Two-time state champion in Muay Thai, weight class and absolute champion of jiu-jitsu interclub of Rio de Janeiro. Muay Thai black belt, Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and Capoeira green rope.

Do you have any heroes? My dad is my hero for everything he did in life and for me. All I have is because of him, and his right way of being and acting has always been an example for me.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s the realization of part of a dream. The only part missing is becoming the champion.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, I made it up to the third administration period.

What was your job before you started fighting? Brazilian army paratrooper

Favorite grappling technique: Double leg

Favorite Striking technique: High kick