Number six-ranked light heavyweight fighter Thiago Santos extended his winning streak with a third round TKO win over Jan Blachowicz. Now with four straight victories and an extra $50,000 for Performance of the Night, he is not expecting anything less than a title shot for his next fight.
“I only know how to look forward. And in front of me, I see a title shot,” Santos said via a translator during his post-fight scrum. “I beat the number four (ranked light heavyweight), and number three is fighting for the title. I get the next title shot.”
The title will be put on the line on Saturday at UFC 235, where current champion Jon Jones fights Anthony Smith. Santos is not expecting the title to change hands, but foresees a different outcome if he gets to step in there with “Bones.”
“I think Jon Jones is the favorite, but Anthony Smith could win also. And especially if Jon Jones sub-estimates him, he could end up paying for it,” he said.
“I know that when I fight Jon Jones, he’s going to be the favorite. But I’ve been shocking the world, and I’ll shock it again. All I want is my opportunity.”
Santos does have a case for himself as the next title contender based on the rankings alone, which is why he feels it will only be a matter of time before he gets it.
“Each fight’s a fight. We’ll see when that happens,” Santos said. “But I tell you, this fight’s going to happen, and I will shock the world.”
Santos has so far ended all of his light heavyweight fights with post-fight bonuses since making the jump in September 2018. He now holds a win-loss slate of 21-6, with 16 wins by stoppage.