Anderson dos Santos might not be a household name, but he’s been around.
The 33-year-old bantamweight competed professionally 26 times before he signed a UFC contract late last year. “Berinja” competed against a tough array of fighters en route to a UFC deal, including current UFC fighters Ricky Simon and Said Nurmagomedov.
Twenty-seven fights into his professional MMA career, dos Santos (22-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is still in search of his first UFC victory after dropping a unanimous decision to Nad Narimani in his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 140. Despite the loss, dos Santos believes he proved he belongs in the UFC and that things will change going forward.
“I was contracted by the UFC with 11 days’ notice to face Nad Narimani at one weight class above,” dos Santos told MMA Junkie. “He (had) very good wrestling and heavy hands. I enjoyed all three rounds. Unfortunately, he won the decision. I don’t dispute that. Despite losing, I was able to demonstrate that I was qualified to be in the UFC.”
The loss to Narimani lit a fire under dos Santos, who immediately returned to training shortly thereafter. “Berinja” has been itching for another UFC opportunity.
“I’d been asking the UFC for another bout ever since then,” dos Santos said. “I tried to get on the Fortaleza card in February, but it filled up quickly. I knew I was one of many fighters waiting to be called back, so I just kept on training. Had the UFC called me earlier, I would have been ready. I would only need 20 days to cut the weight.”
Now, dos Santos finally has a date, opponent, and location in front of him. On Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 12, dos Santos will move to his favored weight of 135 pounds to take on Andre Ewell (14-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC).
“Andre Ewell is very tough with a win over former champion Renan Barao, even though Barao isn’t doing so well lately,” dos Santos said. “Regardless, beating a former champion is something that will always be on his fight record. But, unlike Barao, I’m going through a very positive phase in my career. I’m confident of that.
“Andre doesn’t usually go to decision. Likewise, of my 20 wins, only four went to the judges. Expect a very aggressive fight that should end before the final bell. I’ll chase him the whole time. I see myself winning by KO or submission. We’ll either strike on the feet, or I’ll get him down and submit him. I’ll fight wherever it goes. I’ll impose my rhythm and my speed. I feel I am stronger. I’ll get a finish.”
UFC on ESPN+ 12 takes place Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. The event streams entirely on ESPN+.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 12, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
