Jul 6, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Jon Jones (red gloves) fights against Thiago Santos (blue gloves) at T-Mobile Arena. Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Thiago Santos reveals UFC offered him someone ‘who’s not in the top-10’ for his return fight
Thiago Santos isn’t happy with who the UFC has offered him in his return fight.
Santos is coming off a split-decision loss to Jon Jones at UFC 239 for the light heavyweight title. Yet, in the fight, he hurt both knees and required double knee surgery and has been recovering since then. Upon his return, he makes it clear he wants the Jones rematch.
“That’s what I want, but it’s not up to me,” Santos said to MMA Fighting. “The scenario has changed. It’s not up to me.”
The Brazilian can return soon and revealed the UFC offered him a fight. But, he says he turned it down as it was a step back for him and he won’t take step backs.
“They want to give me fights I don’t want,” Santos said. “I never turn fights down, no matter who they are. But I’ve earned something, and I won’t accept anything less. I won’t take a step back. They want to give me something that represents a step back, and I won’t take a step back.”
Who that opponent is would not be revealed by Thiago Santos. But, he says it is someone not in the top-10 which he thinks isn’t fair.
Instead, the Brazilian wants a top-five opponent to get him right there for another crack at the title.
“I can’t say his name because it could get me in trouble. But they offered someone who’s not in the top-10,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair to fight someone outside the top five or six. Or someone who’s on a rise. I was very upset when they offered someone who’s coming off a loss, you know? I refuse to take a step back. It’s not fair. If that’s how it goes, we’re gonna have problems getting our next fight.”
When and who Thiago Santos will fight in his return is unknown at this time.
