Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Thiago Santos is slowly recovering from his double knee surgery as a result of injuries suffered in his UFC title fight with Jon Jones earlier this month.
Thiago Santos’ knee surgery is behind him, but the recovery period is just beginning.
The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, who fought Jon Jones to a split decision earlier this month at UFC 239, posted a video of himself standing up out of his wheelchair on Wednesday.
Santos went under the knife last week for ligament injuries in both knees suffered in the Jones fight. “Marreta” tore the ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus in his left knee and partially tore the meniscus in his right knee.
“I must admit, these days are tough, filled with a lot of pain,” Santos tweeted. “I can’t sleep or eat properly due to the medications. I even fear using the bathroom because the walk there is a battle. Thank God the pain is subsiding.”
It’s been 7 days since the surgeries on my knees. I must admit, these days are tough, filled with a lot of pain. I can’t sleep or eat properly due to the medications. I even fear using the bathroom because the walk there is a battle. Thank God the pain is subsiding. pic.twitter.com/2oD39DEsvN
— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) July 25, 2019
Santos became the first fighter to win one scorecard against Jones, the reigning 205-pound champion. Some scored the fight for the Brazilian, but it ultimately marked Jones’ second title defense since recapturing the belt last year.
The loss snapped Santos’ four-fight winning streak, which included knockouts of Jan Blachowicz and Jimi Manuwa. Before meeting Jones, Santos was undefeated in the light heavyweight division. He moved up to 205 pounds in September 2018.