Thiago Santos won’t let Mousasi ‘impose his gameplan’: ‘I truly am an MMA fighter, now’

Thiago Santos intends to make the most of the opportunity to take on his first top 10 opponent as he meets Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200.

Thiago Santos wants to make the most out of his short notice bout against Gegard Mousasi, at UFC 200. The TUF Brazil 2 veteran, who is stepping in for Derek Brunson after Brunson’s recent eye problems, told Portal do Vale Tudo he won’t allow Mousasi to feel comfortable in the Octagon.

“Mousasi is a very strategic fighter. He likes to fight at his own pace and dictate the fight. My intention is to not let that happen and impose my gameplan all the time. Things are happening on the right time for me. I was hoping for a Top 10 opponent and the opportunity presented itself. I will seize it with all my might. I’m evolving. I’m a more complete fighter today, I truly am an MMA fighter, now.”

Thiago Santos currently rides a four-fight winning streak, with victories over Nate Marquardt, Elias Theodorou, Steve Bosse and Andy Enz. He is scheduled to meet Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200, on July 9, in Las Vegas.

The card will be headlined by a title unification bout between interim light heavy champion, Jon Jones, and the reigning champion, Daniel Cormier.

Thiago Santos intends to make the most of the opportunity to take on his first top 10 opponent as he meets Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200.

Thiago Santos wants to make the most out of his short notice bout against Gegard Mousasi, at UFC 200. The TUF Brazil 2 veteran, who is stepping in for Derek Brunson after Brunson’s recent eye problems, told Portal do Vale Tudo he won’t allow Mousasi to feel comfortable in the Octagon.

“Mousasi is a very strategic fighter. He likes to fight at his own pace and dictate the fight. My intention is to not let that happen and impose my gameplan all the time. Things are happening on the right time for me. I was hoping for a Top 10 opponent and the opportunity presented itself. I will seize it with all my might. I’m evolving. I’m a more complete fighter today, I truly am an MMA fighter, now.”

Thiago Santos currently rides a four-fight winning streak, with victories over Nate Marquardt, Elias Theodorou, Steve Bosse and Andy Enz. He is scheduled to meet Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200, on July 9, in Las Vegas.

The card will be headlined by a title unification bout between interim light heavy champion, Jon Jones, and the reigning champion, Daniel Cormier.