Mairon Santos Aims for Redemption at UFC 323, T-Mobile Arena
Mairon Santos is set to return to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 323, where he faces Muhammad Naimov in a personal quest for redemption. Santos experienced disappointment during his last fight at this venue, leading him to reflect on missed opportunities. He aims to deliver a stellar performance this time around, especially after his controversial split decision win against Francis Marshall at UFC 313.
Mairon Santos’ Journey to UFC 323
The Brazilian featherweight, who captured a season of The Ultimate Fighter in August 2024, has shown resilience in his career. His record stands at 16-1 in professional MMA, with a current winning streak of three fights under the UFC banner. Santos revealed to MMA Fighting, “Fighting in Vegas is like fighting at home. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Santos’ upcoming fight comes after a victory over Sodiq Yusuff in May, which he won by decision. He acknowledges the pressure of performing in front of a large audience but maintains his focus once the bout begins. Santos stated, “Once the cage door closes, my focus is always the same.”
Facing Naimov presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He is aware of Naimov’s capabilities, noting his strong record of 5-1 in the UFC. “In my opinion, he should be ranked,” Santos commented. “He’s a guy who will put me right at the door of the rankings.”
Strategies for Success
Naimov has secured victories, including a decision over Kaan Ofli. Santos plans to employ his striking skills to frustrate his opponent. “I see him as a complete opponent, but I don’t think he’s a specialist in anything,” he said, expressing confidence in his game plan.
Moreover, Santos aims to finish the fight rather than settle for another decision victory. He remarked, “My last two wins were decisions, and that’s not how I want my fights to end. I see myself knocking him out.”
Future Aspirations
At just 25 years old, Santos is also considering his future across different weight classes. Although he recently competed at lightweight, he sees his primary focus at featherweight. “I feel 145 is better for me,” he explained. “If I fought at lightweight, I know I could fight four or five times a year, but I want to make weight properly to perform well.”
Santos’ preparation and mindset indicate he’s ready to capitalize on this chance at UFC 323. He hopes to overcome the challenges posed by Naimov and solidify his standing in the featherweight division.
