Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Former light heavyweight title challenger Thiago Santos is not done pursuing gold just yet.
Still nursing his knees, which suffered complete and partial torn ligaments after a grueling title fight against Jon Jones back in July, former light heavyweight title challenger Thiago Santos won’t give up chasing UFC gold just yet. Although ‘Marreta’ does not plan to come back to the Octagon in 2019, the 35-year-old believes a return in the first part of 2020 is doable.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Santos says he takes inspiration after retired soccer player Ronaldo, who suffered similar knee injuries and went on to win a World Cup afterward in 2002. Although the progress has been slow, Thiago says the healing process has been successful one so far and believes he will be able to begin sparring again, although lightly, in three weeks.
“Ronaldo is an inspiration for me, for sure. Even before my injury, I was already a fan of his. He inspires me because he also suffered serious knee injuries, started playing again and became a world champion with the Brazilian team. He’s a big inspiration.”
“I’m ahead of schedule, no complications so far.” Santos continued. “Still, there’s no reason to rush things. I’ve been boxing, I think I’ll be able to move in three weeks, maybe do some light sparring, some shadow boxing. I think it’ll be a while before I can start kicking again. But I’ll be fighting in the first semester of 2020.”
Although he just fought for the title in July. being the first man to ever take Jon Jones to a split decision, Marreta believes their paths will cross once again in the Octagon soon. However, Thiago makes it clear that his goal is to chase for the UFC’s title, even if ‘Bones’ does not hold it anymore by the time Santos is back.
“I think the UFC is waiting for the outcome this upcoming fights to define who he (Jones) will fight. I think he’ll have one more fight and then he’ll have to fight me. My focus is not Jon Jones, though, it’s the belt. If it’s against him, it’ll be even one more special, because he’s an undefeated champion. Of course I want to be the first one to beat him. If it isn’t him, though, I’ll go after whoever has the belt.”
Back in July, Thiago Santos (21-7) fought Jon Jones to a split decision loss. The defeat snapped a four-fight winning streak for Marreta, who scored victories over Kevin Holland, Eryk Anders, Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz before the title fight at UFC 239. The 35-year-old’s last loss dates back to April 2018, when he was knocked out by David Branch in the middleweight division.