Mairon Santos, reflecting on his previous fight where he narrowly won against Francis Marshall, aims for a more decisive victory against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Vegas 106, having learned from past mistakes and feeling confident in his potential for a knockout.
Mairon Santos walked out of UFC 313 feeling victorious after a grueling 15-minute battle with Francis Marshall. Yet, upon watching the fight again, he thought Marshall might have deserved the win.
This Saturday, he’s stepping into the octagon as a lightweight, facing Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Vegas 106. The short prep time has pushed him up a weight class, but he’s aiming for a clear-cut victory.
“I’ve used that fight as a stepping stone,” Santos shared with MMA Fighting. He reflected on his mistakes, acknowledging areas for improvement. Initially, he was frustrated, knowing his potential.
“It was my fault,” he admitted, not discrediting Marshall’s performance. Santos sees the fight as a valuable lesson. Winning was great, but he’s made changes to ensure a more decisive victory next time.
Confidence in his hands was a downfall against Marshall. After a swift win over Kaan Ofli for the TUF 32 title, he believed one punch could do the trick. Reality check!
“I’ve learned my lesson,” Santos said. Facing Yusuff excites him. Despite the last fight’s challenges, he feels the UFC recognizes his potential. He’s ready for new strategies.
Yusuff, also debuting at lightweight, returns after a tough year. Consecutive losses to Diego Lopes and Edson Barboza have put him in a tight spot.
“This fight has all the makings of a classic,” Santos predicted. He aims for a second-round knockout, balancing respect and aggression. Yusuff’s forward style might just play into his hands. A knockout—and maybe a bonus—awaits.