Luana Santos Proposes Perfect Opponent for Rousey’s Final UFC Bout
In the latest developments of the MMA landscape, Luana Santos has expressed her desire to see Ronda Rousey make a comeback. As a longtime fan and a current UFC bantamweight competitor, Santos reminisced about a significant encounter she had with Rousey earlier this year.
Meeting Ronda Rousey
This past July, Santos had the opportunity to meet Ronda Rousey at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas. The meeting occurred during a sparring session, which was organized by Rousey’s friend, Jacqueline Cavalcanti. Santos described the experience as one of the most emotional moments of her life.
“I was shaking, literally shaking,” Santos recalled. “I needed to see her and get a picture. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Despite her nervousness, she managed to express her admiration with the simple words, “I love you.”
The Impact of Ronda Rousey
Santos revealed how Rousey’s career has inspired her journey in mixed martial arts. “I was already watching her when I started MMA,” Santos said. “She’s one of the few people I truly admire in sports.” Rousey’s return to training has filled Santos with joy, and she proudly displays a framed picture of Rousey in her living room.
Potential Comeback: A Farewell Bout?
While the future of Rousey’s fighting career remains uncertain, Santos has shared her thoughts on the subject. Rousey exited the UFC after losing her last two fights, and Santos believes a comeback could serve as a means to honor her legacy.
- Santos suggests a farewell fight with Miesha Tate.
- She understands the challenges Rousey faced in her last fights.
- “Coming back would be about closing that chapter,” she stated.
Luana Santos’ Upcoming Fight
Looking forward, Santos is set to compete in the final UFC card of the year on December 13 against Melissa Croden. This bantamweight fight marks Santos’ return to the octagon after a previous match was canceled.
“I was training for a different opponent initially,” Santos explained. “But I’ve adjusted my strategy for Melissa, who poses a different challenge.” With an unbeaten record in the UFC, she emphasized her striking skills and ground game as key factors for her success.
Preparing for the Fight
Throughout her training, Santos has focused on becoming a more complete fighter. She noted the importance of adapting her judo skills for MMA. “My ground game is well-suited for this sport,” she stated. Santos is confident in her striking and believes she can finish the fight, regardless of the outcome.
As the MMA community awaits news about Rousey’s potential return, Luana Santos remains focused on her career and eager to step into the octagon.
