PRAGUE – After five-and-a-half years in the UFC, Thiago “Marreta” Santos is closer than ever to a world title shot, and it’s all happened in the space of two short fights.
The power-punching Brazilian (20-6 MMA, 12-5 UFC) takes on granite-chinned Polish contender Jan Blachowicz (23-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 3 in Prague, Czech Republic on Saturday.
And after two impressive finishes following his move up to the UFC’s light-heavyweight division, the 35-year-old admits he’s in the sweet spot in his career in an unlikely weight class.
Stoppage wins over Eryk Anders and Jimi Manuwa saw Santos catapult into the top-10 and within striking distance of a possible shot at the UFC light heavyweight title.
When asked if he thought earlier in his career that he’d find his best form as a light-heavyweight, Santos admitted it wasn’t something he had planned.
“No, I never thought so,” Santos told MMAjunkie through an interpreter at a media day promoting the event. “I used to be a welterweight, so I never thought (I’d succeed at 205 pounds), but I’m really happy in this category now.”
Now firmly established as one of the most dangerous emerging contenders in the UFC’s light-heavyweight class, Santos says victory will move him one step closer to his goal of becoming a world champion.
But the Brazilian wouldn’t be drawn on his world title plans as he zeroes in on the task at hand in Prague this weekend.
“Certainly a win over Blachowicz would put me closer to the title,” he said. “But right now, I’m focusing on this fight. I don’t want to look beyond it.”
That task now sees Santos face Blachowicz, who is enjoying the best form of his UFC career. The Pole is riding a four-fight winning streak and hasn’t been stopped since a 2011 TKO in KSW, a run stretching back some 15 fights.
But despite Blachowicz’s documented toughness, Santos stated his intention to get the job done as early as possible, while accepting he may have to go deeper into the contest before earning the victory.
“He’s a tough guy,” Santos said. “He’s very strategic. He takes a lot of punishment, but he’s never fought a guy like me.
“I always try to get it out of the way fast, but if I have to go five rounds, I’m ready for that, too.”
To hear from Santos, check out the video above.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 3, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
