Thiago Santos When Can He Fight Again

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Ahead of his main outcome clash with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Fight Dark 203 on Saturday, Ultimate Fighting Title light heavyweight contender Thiago Santos talked to Sherdog's Christian Stein nearly recovering from his astringent knee injury, snapping a 3-fight losing streak, and what he needs to exercise in lodge to derail the red-hot Russian.

Non long agone, you had a valiant endeavour against former champ Jon Jones. You fought with a bad articulatio genus. You lost by conclusion, and and then also lost your next two fights. How did you rebound from that?
The losses weren't the worst matter I had to deal with. The worst thing was my knee injury, which kept me out of the Octagon for some fourth dimension. Being away from fighting was the hardest role. The recent losses [to Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic] were the byproduct of idle fourth dimension, of the injury, and of the recovery time. It was all very difficult for me. But at present I'1000 back. I'k feeling 100 percent. I'thousand feeling bully. I scored another victory [against Johnny Walker]. I'm dorsum and information technology'due south going to be but wins from now on.

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

Can you talk nearly your side by side opponent?
Magomed Ankalaev is beneath me on the rankings, but he'southward on a bully winning streak. He's a very skillful fighter. I think it's going to be an excellent fight, which will reveal who the next belt challenger should exist. Although, I do feel I'd still need one more win after this fight. We never really know. These types of opportunities tin show upward unexpectedly. We have to stay set up. My focus right at present is on having a good victory against Ankalaev. Then nosotros'll see what'due south next.

How do y'all come across this next fight playing out?
I imagine our bout will play out on the feet. He besides enjoys striking. And we have to be ready to wrestle. All Russian fighters seem to have that as a strong betoken. That's his programme B. But I feel he'll want to strike against me. That'south my world. If he tries that, I'll demonstrate who's the best striker inside the Octagon.

How do you feel y'all've grown as a person, from your start in the Brazilian armed forces, to earning residency in the United States, and existence 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 dark-green carte du jour [permanent residency]. I'm living in the United States. I'one thousand able to help my family out. I'm very thankful. I've accomplished these things starting in the armed forces, and now by and large via fighting. I thank God for the chance to earn a living doing what I honey. Fighting inverse my life. I was a young male child from Cidade de Deus [Metropolis of God], an impoverished community in Brazil. Now I'g in the United States, with a very good quality of life. I'yard thankful, but I feel I notwithstanding I have far to go. I wish to continue helping people in Brazil, and in Cidade de Deus. I have much more to accomplish.

Tin can you lot share some details of your preparation camp?
As usual, I did my camp at American Acme Team. I've been working on my muay Thai. I brought in my ain boxing double-decker. And, of grade, I'1000 putting emphasis on my wrestling and jiu-jitsu. With each military camp, I learn more and go improve. My chief preparation partners are fighters Johnny Eblen, Alessio Sakara, too as jitney Artem Levin. Other fighters who've been helping me are sometime gnaw Rafael Carvalho, as well as Klidson Abreu, who fought Ankalaev [in 2019]. I'm in a bang-up team. They're doing all they tin can and then I tin be at 100 percent on March 12.

What are your plans for the future?
I try not to plan as well far ahead. The programme right at present is to win this fight, and so enjoy time with my daughter who'south due to be born on the following month. I want to enjoy family time and rest a trivial before I go dorsum to training. Depending on how my fight goes, I'1000 hoping a new title shot volition present itself.

Anything else y'all'd like to share?
My girl who's about to be born is farther motivation for me to win this next tour. I'm very set. God willing, victory will exist mine. And hopefully the belt volition be next.

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Source: https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Thiago-Santos-on-Ankalaev-Matchup-Ill-Demonstrate-Who-The-Best-Striker-Is-185164

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