Mairon Santos Seeks Redemption Against Muhammad Naimov at UFC 323
Mairon Santos is set for a crucial fight at UFC 323, taking place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This venue holds special significance for Santos, who previously fought there. His last match resulted in a contentious split-decision victory against Francis Marshall at UFC 313 in March 2025. Reflecting on that experience, Santos felt he should have lost, making this upcoming fight an opportunity for redemption.
Mairon Santos: A Fighter’s Redemption
Santos expressed excitement about returning to Las Vegas, stating, “Fighting in Vegas is like fighting at home.” He noted that the upcoming event is the last pay-per-view of the year, a platform he sees as critical for showcasing his skills. Santos aims to redeem his last performance at T-Mobile and deliver an impressive fight.
Statistics and Achievements
- Current record: 16-1
- UFC wins: Three consecutive victories
- Latest fight: Decision win against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC APEX in May
Despite the pressure of performing in front of large audiences, Santos maintains a singular focus in the cage. “Once the cage door closes, it could be UFC, LFA, or my backyard; my focus is always the same,” he remarked.
Facing Muhammad Naimov
Santos will face Muhammad Naimov, a formidable opponent with a 5-1 record in the UFC. Naimov’s only defeat came at the hands of Felipe Lima. Santos respects Naimov’s abilities but believes that he can leverage his skills to gain a competitive edge. He believes this fight can bring him closer to the UFC rankings.
Strategic Preparation
“I’m very happy to be fighting him,” Santos stated about Naimov. He views Naimov as a complete fighter but believes he lacks specialization. Anticipating a tactical bout, Santos has committed to ending the fight decisively to avoid leaving it in the judges’ hands. “I’m training hard to finish this fight,” he explained, expressing his intent to secure a knockout, potentially in the second or third round.
Weight Class Transition
Santos last fought at lightweight, but he considers this bout a return to his natural featherweight class. He feels more comfortable at 145 pounds and compares his journey to that of Max Holloway, who made a name for himself in the featherweight division before moving up. “I see myself like Max Holloway,” Santos stated, emphasizing his aspirations for long-term success in featherweight.
As Santos approaches this pivotal moment in his career at UFC 323, his focus remains on executing his game plan and delivering a memorable performance. He hopes this fight will mark a new chapter and lead him toward a prominent position in the featherweight rankings.
