Thiago Santos on Ankalaev Matchup: I'll Demonstrate Who The Best Striker Is

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Ahead of his main event clash with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Fight Night 203 on Saturday, Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight contender Thiago Santos talked to Sherdog’s Christian Stein about recovering from his severe knee injury, snapping a three-fight losing streak, and what he needs to do in order to derail the red-hot Russian.

Not long ago, you had a valiant effort against former champ Jon Jones. You fought with a bad knee. You lost by decision, and then also lost your next two fights. How did you rebound from that?
The losses weren’t the worst thing I had to deal with. The worst thing was my knee injury, which kept me out of the Octagon for some time. Being away from fighting was the hardest part. The recent losses [to Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic] were the byproduct of idle time, of the injury, and of the recovery time. It was all very difficult for me. But now I’m back. I’m feeling 100 percent. I’m feeling great. I scored another victory [against Johnny Walker]. I’m back and it’s going to be only wins from now on.

Can you talk about getting back to the win column in your fight against Johnny Walker, this past October?
I did my homework prior to that bout. It was a very strategic fight. We’re both dangerous. We knew that he could surprise me at any moment. I had good sparring partners who tried to replicate his style, which is pretty unique. I moved well in the fight and kept my wits about me. I know it wasn’t as exciting as fans would prefer to see, but I did what I had to get the win. I won. That’s what’s most important.

Can you talk about your next opponent?
Magomed Ankalaev is below me on the rankings, but he’s on a great winning streak. He’s a very good fighter. I think it’s going to be an excellent fight, which will reveal who the next belt challenger should be. Although, I do feel I’d still need one more win after this fight. We never really know. These types of opportunities can show up unexpectedly. We have to stay ready. My focus right now is on having a good victory against Ankalaev. And then we’ll see what’s next.

How do you see this next fight playing out?
I imagine our bout will play out on the feet. He also enjoys striking. And we have to be ready to wrestle. All Russian fighters seem to have that as a strong point. That’s his plan B. But I feel he’ll want to strike against me. That’s my world. If he tries that, I’ll demonstrate who’s the best striker inside the Octagon.

How do you feel you’ve grown as a person, from your start in the Brazilian military, to earning residency in the United States, and being a world-renowned fighter?
Regarding my life, I should write a book. It’s been a series of obstacles to be overcome. I learned a lot from all my falls, missteps, and difficulties. They allowed me to grow. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities I have today. I have my green card [permanent residency]. I’m living in the United States. I’m able to help my family out. I’m very thankful. I’ve accomplished these things starting in the military, and now mostly via fighting. I thank God for the chance to earn a living doing what I love. Fighting changed my life. I was a young boy from Cidade de Deus [City of God], an impoverished community in Brazil. Now I’m in the United States, with a very good quality of life. I’m thankful, but I feel I still I have far to go. I wish to continue helping people in Brazil, and in Cidade de Deus. I have much more to accomplish.

Can you share some details of your training camp?
As usual, I did my camp at American Top Team. I’ve been working on my muay Thai. I brought in my own boxing coach. And, of course, I’m putting emphasis on my wrestling and jiu-jitsu. With each camp, I learn more and get better. My main training partners are fighters Johnny Eblen, Alessio Sakara, as well as coach Artem Levin. Other fighters who’ve been helping me are former champ Rafael Carvalho, as well as Klidson Abreu, who fought Ankalaev [in 2019]. I’m in a great team. They’re doing all they can so I can be at 100 percent on March 12.

What are your plans for the future?
I try not to plan too far ahead. The plan right now is to win this fight, and then enjoy time with my daughter who’s due to be born on the following month. I want to enjoy family time and rest a little before I get back to training. Depending on how my fight goes, I’m hoping a new title shot will present itself.

Anything else you’d like to share?
My daughter who’s about to be born is further motivation for me to win this next bout. I’m very ready. God willing, victory will be mine. And hopefully the belt will be next.