Thiago Santos

By FCF Staff

When Thiago Santos returns from undergoing surgery on both of knees, “Marreta” believes he can lock-up a rematch with Jon Jones, with one, memorable win.

Santos faced Jones this past July at UFC 239, and pushed the light-heavyweight champ, despite incurring knee injuries early on. Jones won the bout via split decision.

Recently the Brazilian fighter spoke with MMA Fighting, and while discussing his future, Santos said this:

“If it was up to me, being 100 percent, I don’t like this idea that, ‘Oh, he needs one (easier) fight because he’s coming off a long layoff,’” Santos said. “I don’t think it’s needed. But I know it’s hard for the UFC to do that, to come back in a title fight. I believe they would give me a fight and a good performance would earn me another title fight. I believe that’s what’s going to happen.”

“I think he remains champion,” Santos said. “He remains champion until I come back.”

Prior to facing Jones, the 35-year-old Santos (21-7) had won four straight, and that included a stoppage win over 205 contender, Jan Blachowicz.