Thiago Santos (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Thiago Santos has no plans to move back down to middleweight in the near future. But, the light heavyweight contender is certain he’d provide more of a test for middleweight champ Israel Adesanya did than Paul Costa.

Adesanya faced Costa in the headliner of UFC 253 this past weekend, and cruised to a second-round, stoppage win. Since then, Santos spoke with MMA Junkie, and the dangerous fighter relayed he hopes to face Adesanya at some juncture.

“I have a lot of things to do at light heavyweight, but in the future I want to fight against him,” Santos said. “He’s a great fighter, and we were supposed to fight before. I was an alternate when he fought against Brad Tavares. I was there. It didn’t happen, and I hope to face him. It would be a great fight. He’s a tough guy, a great fighter.”

The 36-year-old stated that fighting Adesanya in a catch-weight bout would be “perfect”, since cutting down to 185 pounds required extensive preparation. While reflecting on Adesanya’s win, and Costa’s performance, Santos said this.

“I told my friends here that (Adesanya) would win that fight,” Santos said. “I’m sure I can do better than Paulo Costa, because I’m not going to let him kick my leg a lot, and I know how to kick him back. I’m sure I can do different. I can do better.”

Santos (21-7) hasn’t competed since July, 2019, when he narrowly lost via split decision to now-former light heavyweight champ, Jon Jones. Santos incurred injuries to both of his knees in the contest and had to undergo surgery.

“Marreta” is currently booked to fight Glover Teixeira on November 7th.