Longtime UFC light heavyweight title contender Thiago Santos snapped a three-fight losing streak by capturing a unanimous decision victory over fellow Brazilian bruiser Johnny Walker in the UFC Vegas 38 main event last weekend in “Sin City.”
And now “Marreta” wants to earn a second crack at the 205-pound crown.
“I want the champion,” Santos said at the UFC Vegas 38 post-fight press conference. “I think I deserve Top 5, one more fight and I think if I win the fight I can go to the title shot again. I think I deserve that. I had a fight against the No. 10, I want a Top 5 who can bring me to the title shot again.”
Reigning light heavyweight titleholder Jan Blachowicz will defend his 205-pound strap against aging veteran slugger Glover Teixeira in the UFC 267 main event later this month in Abu Dhabi, and if No. 2-ranked Jiri Prochazka doesn’t want to wait for the winner, Santos is ready to bang.
“Jiri Prochazka, if he don’t want to wait for (title) fight – I’m here,” Santos (22-9) continued. “I can fight against him. He’s a good fighter, all respect to him, but I watch his fights. He thinks his chin is strong, but it’s because he didn’t fight against ‘The Hammer.’ If he want to try to test his chin, I’m here. I’m here.”
Prochazka (28-3-1) earned his shot at the title by capturing 12 straight wins, including last May’s knockout victory over former title contender Dominick Reyes. “Denisa” is expected to be on weight for UFC 267 in case one of the headliners falls out.
Until then, he’s got his eyes on the prize.
“Thiago Santos, thank you for the offer,” Prochazka responded on Twitter. “But right now I’m preparing for Blachowicz or Teixeira, which you know them very well.”
Perhaps Santos can rematch the loser of Blachowicz vs. Teixeira instead.