The only man to ever win a judge's scorecard against Jon Jones
In short: In the brutal world of mixed martial arts, Jon Jones is often viewed as an insurmountable peak. However, Thiago Santos reached a milestone in 2019 by becoming the sole MMA competitor to ever secure a judges' decision victory over that famous champion.
Thiago Santos' journey to the pinnacle of the UFC was forged in extreme adversity. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro's impoverished conditions, Santos endured life on the streets before residing within the infamous Cidade de Deus area. His early life was marked by significant health challenges, including an undiagnosed disease that caused growing cysts in his stomach, and the personal tragedy of his father's death just days after his professional MMA debut in 2010.
Before entering the cage, Santos built a diverse physical foundation, training in capoeira for eight years and serving as a Brazilian army paratrooper. He entered the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 in 2013. His career has been defined by high-octane performances, including a 2018 run where he tied for the most bouts in a calendar year with five. His technical versatility was showcased through various finishes, including TKO, knockout, and submission victories across different weight classes.
The 2019 championship bout against Jon Jones remains a landmark moment in the sport. While Santos lost the fight via split decision, his ability to secure a winning scorecard against Jones remains a unique historical distinction. The physical toll of that fight was immense; Santos sustained a torn left ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus, and a cracked tibia. Despite these injuries and subsequent setbacks, including a suspension for a failed drug test in 2023, Santos continues to influence the sport by running a non-profit that provides free MMA training for children from impoverished families.
Santos' career also reflects the complexities of modern combat sports, from navigating COVID-19 related postponements to dealing with opponent drug test irregularities. Now a veteran of the UFC, PFL, and the Global Fight League, he remains a symbol of resilience, transitioning from a fighter defined by survival to one who provides opportunities for the next generation.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Thiago Santos
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