LAS VEGAS – The oddsmakers aren’t backing Thiago Santos in Saturday night’s UFC 239 main event bout against Jon Jones, but that doesn’t mean the Brazilian radiates any less confidence.
At Wednesday’s open workouts, Santos fielded a few questions from MMA Junkie following the conclusion of his session.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Santos told the media and fans. “This is my moment, my time. Next Saturday, I will shock the world. I will do it.”
How does the Brazilian challenger expect to take out one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history? The 35-year-old Santos (21-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC) said he has some tools in his toolbox to defeat Jones (24-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC).
“I will (use) my footwork, my power, and I will put pressure on him,” Santos said. “Next Saturday, we’ll all see the new light heavyweight champion of the world.”
UFC 239 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
For more from Santos’ interview, click on the video above, and to see his open workout, click below.
For more on UFC 239, check out the UFC schedule.
