Luana Santos began her UFC journey in the flyweight division, but the bantamweight class might hold her future. The 25-year-old is set to compete at 135 pounds again, facing Tainara Lisboa at UFC Vegas 106 this Saturday, treating this fight as a key moment to decide her division.
Santos had one previous attempt at bantamweight in the UFC, but significantly missed weight, hitting almost 140 pounds. Doctors later diagnosed her with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition known to cause weight fluctuations by affecting the thyroid. With medication managing the condition, she fought twice at flyweight (1 win, 1 loss). However, persistent stomach problems linked to weight cutting for her recent bout against Casey O’Neill made a return to bantamweight seem like a sensible choice.
Furthermore, Santos views the bantamweight division as less crowded, which she believes could provide a faster track to title contention.
“It’s not exactly easier… but it is,” Santos commented. “I feel the 125-pound division is more competitive than 135. If I can compete effectively at 135, why not take the shortcut? For example, Tainara achieved a ranking after just two UFC fights. She didn’t defeat any highly-ranked opponents to get there. Climbing the ranks is simpler at 135 than at 125. If I possess the physical capability and size for 135, why continue battling my body to make the 125-pound limit, especially since I`m only 25 and definitely won`t remain a flyweight permanently?”
Santos emphasizes that this decision isn`t set in stone yet. Her future in the bantamweight division hinges on her performance against Lisboa and potentially her subsequent fight. However, the transition feels appropriate for the present moment.
“I am not undersized for 135. Quite the contrary,” Santos stated. “I’ve fought at 135 before, and I intend to try it again. Let’s see how things unfold. If I secure victories in this fight and the next, then let`s proceed with the move. It all depends on how the fight goes and my physical and mental state inside the octagon.”
Tainara Lisboa is older than Santos and has been inactive for 18 months, recovering from a significant left knee injury that threatened her career. While Santos respects her opponent and won`t underestimate her, she perceives the circumstances leading into UFC Vegas 106 as potentially more advantageous for herself.
“I believe Tainara is a very resilient and experienced competitor,” Santos remarked. “She’s nearly 10 years my senior, but in terms of MMA fighting years, our experience levels are quite similar. Her striking style leans towards Muay Thai, and she has solid jiu-jitsu skills. However, I think I hold an advantage over her in that aspect. Her two previous losses were against opponents who employed a similar strategy.”
“I think it’s a favorable matchup,” she added. “She’s coming back after a knee injury, and I’m unsure how her mental game will be after over a year away from competition. I believe she`s tough. I don`t anticipate an easy fight, but I see a strong possibility of me coming out with the win.”
