Returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on May 28, former Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago (23-8) feels he brings a more rounded fight game to his upcoming bout against former Marine Brian Stann at UFC 130.
Santiago is 11-1 in his last twelve bouts, successfully defending his Sengoku title twice. His last bout was in August of last year in Japan at a Sengoku 14 event, there he earned a fifth round TKO win over Kazuo Misaki after his corner literally threw in the towel. The single loss in that span was to Polish fighter Mamed Khalidov at Sengoku 11 in a non-title bout. Santiago would erase the defeat by facing Khalidov in a back-to-back title match at Sengoku 12 by earning a unanimous decision.
In a recent interview with Tatame.com, Santiago answers questions about making his return to the UFC promotion after a four year plus absence, as well as meeting Stann in that return.
How does it feel to return to UFC being respected, since you were a champion on Sengoku?
It was pretty cool, I’m thrilled. I have to show my skills here. I’m coming back, but I have my feet on the ground, I’m training hard to make a good impression. I’m aware of my position now, I’ll fight again like I was doing back in Japan so I can be on a main card. I know it’s all worth it when you go there and win a fight, so I’m training hard. On May 28th I’ll go there and move a step forwards until I reach the top.
What do you think of Brian Stann, your immediate opponent?
What he can bring me is an athletic fighter, his soldier mind, his power. His striking game is good. He hasn’t proven he can play anywhere. His fights are finished quickly, always standing, so I believe I’ll bring a new game for him, because I can fight anywhere. He’ll have to do it all with me. But, besides that, he’s a great athlete, he’s strong and he has a good mind. I also have it, and I can handle the fight anywhere it goes.Do you believe the ground game is your best alternative on this bout?
The ground game clearly is what I have of more dangerous to bring him, but I believe I’ll have to mix it all up. I still haven’t seen him doing that, I have only seen him fighting standing up, hitting his opponents hard. I believe I’ll mix everything up and see what happens. I’ll have the chances, one way or another.