Brian Stann and Jorge Santiago are two fighters who will be looking for respect at UFC 130.
Stann (10-3) is looking to prove he is a top contender at 185 pounds. Santiago, on the other hand, is looking to prove he belongs in the UFC again.
Santiago had his chance once before, going just 1-2.
After his loses to Alan Belcher and Chris Leben, Santiago went on a tear going 11-1, becoming the Sengoku middleweight champion, and having what some saw as MMA fight of the year when he faced Kazuo Misaki in a hard-fought battle.
Santiago has made a name for himself overseas, and is now hoping to continue on the biggest stage of them all. He’s been here once before, and he does not want to blow the opportunity a second time.
Stann, on the other hand, is becoming one of the most popular fighters in the UFC today.
His military background has automatically made him a fan favorite. Fighting on Memorial Day weekend brings added pressure for Stann to put on a great show.
Both fighters have a chance to make a huge statement. Stann made one in his last fight when he became just the second guy to TKO Chris Leben. Santiago, on the other hand, will have to find a way to beat a highly motivated former Marine.
Although this fight is not getting the attention that Rampage vs. Hamill is, I expect it to be just as exciting, if not more. Both guys are willing to stand and bang, and both are capable of putting on exciting fights.
Although Stann may be extra motivated this weekend, Santiago could be on that same level of motivation. Both guys will put on a great show.
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