Gabriel Santos put the featherweight division on notice earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 8, 2025) at UFC 312 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, surviving an early knockout scare to earn a third-round submission (rear-naked choke) over tough-nosed striker Jack Jenkins.
Santos came into this fight a sizeable betting favorite given the level of competition he’s faced early on in his UFC career, but it was Jenkins who struck the first blow. The Australian native connected with a massive head kick that nearly ended the fight. Santos somehow survived and caught Jenkins in a triangle choke attempt. He allowed him to get back into the fight.
From that point on, Santos put on a clinic with a well-rounded attacks and more pressure with his grappling. After landing a beautiful front kick to Jenkins’ face to begin the third round Santos would end up getting back control along the cage and sunk in the choke. Jenkins was forced to tap in front of the Australian faithful and hand Santos the biggest win of his career.
Check out the video highlights below:
Bringing the action early #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/pKqZ7aUVsX
— UFC (@ufc) February 9, 2025
MOSQUITINHO GETS THE TAP @MosquitinhoMMA takes it out of the judges hands with a RNC in Round 3! #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/YPqW4cMvAJ
— UFC (@ufc) February 9, 2025
Santos, 28, was thrown to the wolves and ended up losing his first two UFC fights to Lerone Murphy and David Onama, but the Brazilian prospect is finally settling in. Jenkins is a tough out at 145 pounds and outside of the early first-round head kick Santos ultimately had his way. It will be interesting to see what “Mosquitinho” can do as he ascends the featherweight ladder in 2025.
For complete UFC 312 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.