Thiago de Lima Santos, born on January 7, 1984, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist. He has made a name for himself competing in the Light Heavyweight division. This profile delves into his background, career highlights, and achievements.
UFC Perth main event fighter Dominick Reyes standing with Joe Rogan.
Early Life and Background
Growing up, Santos was part of Goiás’ organized fanbase. He started training at 13, using martial arts to channel his aggression into something positive. At 14, he left home and moved to another state, driven by the dream of becoming a professional MMA athlete and UFC fighter. His mother supported him with $60 a week for daily expenses.
Training and Martial Arts Journey
Santos began training kickboxing after a foot injury ended his soccer aspirations. He also has a brown belt in BJJ. After eight years in capoeira, he transitioned to MMA. He is a two-time state champion in Muay Thai and a weight class and absolute champion of jiu-jitsu interclub of Rio de Janeiro.
Entry into UFC
Santos entered the TUF house after winning a majority decision over Gil Freitas in the opening round. He was the last pick for Team Werdum. In the elimination round, Santos won against Pedro Iriê by unanimous decision. Despite not winning the show, Santos was signed to a contract by the UFC.
Read also: A Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
For his second fight with the promotion, Santos faced Ronny Markes on March 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson 2.
Notable UFC Fights
Throughout his UFC career, Santos has faced numerous notable opponents. Here’s a glimpse into some of his key fights:
- UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos (Jul): Santos faced Jon Jones.
- UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira: The pairing with Teixeira eventually took place on November 7, 2020.
- UFC 259: Blachowicz vs. Santos (Mar): Santos faced Aleksandar Rakic.
- UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Walker (Oct): Santos faced Johnny Walker.
- UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Hill: Santos faced Jamahal Hill.
Santos was scheduled to fight Glover Teixeira on September 12, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 177. However, Teixeira tested positive for COVID-19 a week prior to the bout, and the pair was rescheduled to fight on October 4, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. In turn, on September 15, the bout was postponed again as Santos himself tested positive for the virus. Despite nearly finishing Teixeira on a couple occasions.
He was scheduled Glover Teixeira on September 12, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 177. However, due to Teixeira tested positive for COVID-19 a week prior to the bout, the pair was rescheduled to fight on October 4, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. In turn, on September 15, the bout was postponed again as Santos himself tested positive for the virus.
Ultimately, Glover Teixeira submitted Thiago Santos during their fight at UFC Vegas 13.
Read also: Evolution of UFC Combat
Santos faced Yoel Romero on February 24, 2024, at PFL vs.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is headed back to China to stage UFC Shanghai from inside Mercedes-Benz Arena, featuring a Light Heavyweight showdown between Johnny Walker vs. UFC Shanghai goes down this weekend (Sat., Aug. 23, 2025) inside Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China. UFC Perth goes down this weekend (Sat., Sept. 27, 2025) inside RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Thiago Santos Top 5 Knockouts
Move to PFL and Beyond
After leaving the UFC, Thiago Santos signed a multifight deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League). He faced Rob Wilkinson at PFL 1 2023, where he was defeated. In 2024, Santos faced Denis Goltsov at PFL 4, where Goltsov secured a playoff spot.
Santos is now part of the Global Fight League (GFL), a new team-based MMA organization. He was scheduled to participate in GFL 2 against Ferguson vs. Danis, but the event was canceled.
Awards and Achievements
Santos has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career:
Read also: From UFC to BKFC: Mike Perry's Journey
- Performance of the Night (Four times)
- Fight of the Night (Three times)
- 2014: Ranked #9 Upset of the Year
- 2015: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year
- 2018: Ranked #10 Fighter of the Year (Tied with Corey Anderson & Kamaru Usman) & Ranked #7 Fight of the Year
- 2015 Best Knockout of the Half-Year
- 2018 Round of the Year (Round 1)
- 2018 December Fight of the Month
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Ranked #9 Upset of the Year |
| 2015 | Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year, Best Knockout of the Half-Year |
| 2018 | Ranked #10 Fighter of the Year (Tied), Ranked #7 Fight of the Year, Round of the Year (Round 1), December Fight of the Month |
Personal Life
Santos enjoys playing video games, playing guitar, and going out to eat. Origin of nickname: I just started saying to everybody that I was “The Legend” after watching the movie "I am Legend.” I didn't even watch the whole movie, but my friends liked it and started calling me that.
Relationship with Yana Kunitskaya
Thiago Santos is in a relationship with UFC fighter Yana Kunitskaya. Kunitskaya has been credited by Santos for helping him recover after his fight with Jon Jones. In August 2021, the couple announced their pregnancy.
Thiago Santos with his girlfriend Yana Kunitskaya.