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Featherweight Division

Active

"Willycat"

Daniel Santos

Featherweight Division

13-2-0 (W-L-D)

6

Wins by Knockout

2

Wins by Submission

3

First Round Finishes

Daniel Santos

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Daniel Santos' UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Uberaba, Brazil
Fighting style
Muay Thai
Age
30
Height
67.00
Weight
146.00
Octagon Debut
Apr. 9, 2022
Reach
67.00
Leg reach
37.00
  • Pro since 2013
     
  • Six wins by KO, two by submission (armbar, anaconda choke)
     
  • Three first round finishes
     
  • Has won five of his last six and three in a row
     
  • Origin of nickname: “In my first MMA training session, I still didn't know how to defend takedowns, and instinctively I jumped back and did a very high sprawl, and it was very difficult to put my back on the ground. That's when my trainer said I looked like a cat - Willycat of the Thundercats.”

UFC 315 (5/10/25) Santos won a three round unanimous decision over JeongYeong Lee

UFC on ESPN (6/3/23) Santos won a three round unanimous decision over Johnny Munoz

UFC Fight Night (10/1/22) Santos knocked out John Castaneda at 4:28 of the second round

UFC 273 (4/9/22) Santos lost a three round unanimous decision to Julio Arce

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in 2011. I watched a rerun of an Anderson Silva fight, and when I saw him climbing on the Octagon and celebrating, I wanted to feel that emotion, so I started training to be a UFC fighter.

Training: I do two to three daily workouts, sparring and Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu gauntlet

What ranks and titles have you held? I was champion of the Fatality Arena regional event in Rio de Janeiro.

Do you have any heroes? Charles Oliveira, Thomas Almeida and Fedor

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's the realization of a dream, the chance to show my potential to the world and be champion, to put my name in MMA history and be an example for many children and show that with dedication they can achieve their dreams just like me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? I lived in the countryside and worked in the field.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 10 amateur fights and 10 Muay Thai wins

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black grade in Muay Thai from Kickboxing Academy, jiu-jitsu purple belt