Luana Santos initially competed in the UFC`s flyweight division, but a potential future at bantamweight is now in focus. At 25, she is scheduled to return to the 135-pound weight class to face Tainara Lisboa this Saturday at UFC Vegas 106, a bout she sees as pivotal for her career trajectory.
Santos previously attempted a bantamweight fight in the UFC but significantly missed weight, coming in close to 140 pounds. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed she had Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland that can cause weight gain. After managing the condition with medication, Santos fought at flyweight, achieving a 1-1 record. However, persistent stomach issues related to weight cutting, particularly before and after her recent fight with Casey O’Neill, made a return to bantamweight seem like a sensible option.
Additionally, Santos believes the bantamweight division`s relatively lower depth could provide a faster path to the top.
“It`s not that it`s easier… but it is,” Santos stated. “I believe the 125 division is more competitive than 135. If I can compete at 135, why not take the shortcut? For example, Tainara got ranked after just two fights in the UFC, without beating anyone particularly notable to earn that ranking. It`s simpler to climb the ladder at 135 than 125. If I possess the strength and size suitable for 135, why continue battling my body to cut to 125, especially when I`m only 25 and won`t realistically remain a flyweight long-term?”
Santos` decision regarding her permanent weight class isn`t final yet. Her future in the bantamweight division largely depends on her performance against Lisboa and potentially her subsequent fight, but for now, the move is strategically appealing.
“I`m not a small fighter for 135. Quite the opposite,” Santos remarked. “I have fought at 135 previously and I`m willing to attempt it again. We`ll see how it unfolds. If I secure a win in this fight and the next, then that confirms the direction. It entirely hinges on the fight`s development and my physical sensation during it.”
Lisboa is older than Santos and has been sidelined for 18 months due to a serious left knee injury that posed a threat to her career. While Santos respects her opponent and will not overlook her, she perceives the circumstances surrounding the UFC Vegas 106 matchup as potentially advantageous for herself.
“I think Tainara is a very tough and seasoned opponent,” Santos commented. “She`s nearly a decade my senior, but in terms of MMA experience, we are quite comparable. Her striking is heavily influenced by Muay Thai, and she has solid jiu-jitsu. However, I believe I can establish dominance in that specific area. Her two previous defeats came against fighters who utilized a similar strategy.”
“I view it as a favorable matchup,” she added. “She`s returning from a knee injury, and there`s uncertainty about her mental state after being out for over a year. I acknowledge her toughness and don`t anticipate an easy fight, but I feel there`s a strong probability I will emerge victorious.”
