Thiago Santos (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

When Thiago Santos got the call to move up to 205 and fight in the headliner for UFC FN 137, the punishing striker didn’t hesitate. But, it’s not clear yet whether “Marreta” could return to the middleweight division.

In the original headliner for UFC FN 137, Jimi Manuwa was set to face fellow light-heavyweight contender, Glover Teixeira. But the latter had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury, and Santos agreed to step in and face Manuwa. But, more recently, Manuwa also had to pull out because of a hamstring injury, and now Santos will fight Eryk Anders.

Recently Santos was quoted saying the following, while discussing whether a move to 205 could be permanent (quote via UFC.com):

“It’s not definitive,” Santos said. “I want to try it out and see how I’m going to feel fighting with a heavier guy, so it will all depend on my performance. After that, we’re going to decide whether I’m going to stay in this division or not. But, obviously, my main goal is the UFC belt, regardless of the division. Whether it’s in the middleweight or in the light heavyweight division, I want to become the champion.”

Heading into tonight’s fight, Santos (18-6) has gone 4-1 in his last 5 scraps. Anders (11-1) is also 4-1 in his last 5 contests.

UFC FN 137 will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil.