Last fight
Win
Lui vs de Sousa Santiago
Aug. 29, 2026
Stats & Records
3
Fight Win Streak
6
Wins by Knockout
4
First Round Finishes
Significant Strikes include all strikes at distance, plus power strikes in the clinch and on the ground.
Striking accuracy
- Sig. Strikes Landed
- 30
- Sig. Strikes Attempted
- 111
- Sig. Str. Defense is the percentage of significant strikes attempted against a fighter that do not land.
- Takedown defense is the percentage of takedowns attempted against a fighter that do not land.
- Knockdown Avg. is the average number of knockdowns per 15 Minutes window.
Sig. Str. by target
athlete record
-
Win
Info
Status
Active
Place of Birth
São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Trains at
Team Lucas Mineiro
Fighting style
Kickboxer
Age
33
Height
66.00
Weight
135.00
Octagon Debut
Aug. 29, 2026
- Pro since July 2024, made UFC debut in August 2026
- Took UFC debut on 11 days’ notice
- Three-fight win streak, last and only pro loss came in December 2025
- Six wins by KO
- Four first-round finishes, two second-round finish
- Has a 3-1 Pro Boxing Record
- Competed in Pro Kickboxing & Pro Boxing from 2017 to 2022 before making the move to MMA
UFC Fight Night (8/29/26) Santiago knocked out Lawrence Lui at :53 of the second round
When and why did you start training? I started training when I was 13 years old. At first, the goal was just to get better at the fights I was getting into on the streets and at school. But soon after my first competition, I decided to focus on pursuing a career as a fighter.
What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? It means accomplishing the most important dream I’ve had since childhood.
Who is your favorite fighter and why? Alex Pereira, because of his qualities as a fighter and his inspiring story of overcoming adversity.
Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My father.
What are your current ranks in martial arts? Black belt in Kickboxing, black prajied in Muay Thai, and purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Two-time Professional Kickboxing World Champion, WGP Kickboxing Champion
What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career? My fight against Paulo Nogueira, because it was my last fight before achieving my dream of getting a UFC contract. I believe that fight opened doors and created new opportunities for me.
Beyond money or a championship, what motivates you? My biggest motivation is my family and my daughters.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes. I have a degree in Physical Education and a postgraduate degree in Biomechanics.
What was your job before you started fighting? I worked at a banana stand at street markets for 10 years.
Favorite grappling technique: Rear Naked Choke
Favorite Striking technique: Hooks
Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I’m married and have two daughters, one is 5 years old and the other is 3 months old. Outside of training and teaching, I spend my time with my daughters, taking care of them, playing with them, and spending time out with my family.
