Other names Sapo Name Luis Santos Number of contests 1 Reach 72.5 in (184 cm) Weight 77 kg | Height 1.85 m Nationality Brazilian Role Fighter | |
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Luís Santos (2 January 1980) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of ONE Championship. A professional competitor since 2000, Santos has also formerly competed for Bellator, the WEC, and the XFC.
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Early career
Santos made his professional MMA debut in a one-night tournament at Tournament of Gladiators 5 in 2000; he won all three of his fights. Santos amassed a record of 18-0 before suffering his first loss in 2005. Although fighting primarily in his native Brazil, Santos did make his U.S. MMA debut on WEC 34 in 2008.
Santos has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Team Nogueira. He currently teaches and trains at Finney’s MMA in St. Louis, Missouri, but is originally from Belem, Brazil. Before signing with Bellator, Santos was ranked #5 on the Bloody Elbow world MMA scouting report.
Bellator
In January 2011, it was announced that Santos had signed with Bellator.
Santos debuted for the promotion in the Bellator Season Five Welterweight Tournament. He fought Dan Hornbuckle in the opening round held at Bellator 49 and won the fight via unanimous decision.
Santos lost in the semifinals at Bellator 53 to Ben Saunders via third-round submission.
Santos faced Ryan Ford at Bellator 67. He lost via second-round TKO.
Xtreme Fighting Championships
Santos faced UFC vet Shamar Bailey at XFC 23 on April 19, 2013. He won the fight via TKO at just over a minute into the first round.
Santos next opponent is Dave Courchaine at XFC 24 on June 14. He won via KO in just ten seconds.
Santos faced Justin Davis at XFC 26: Night of Champions III on October 18, 2013. He won the fight via KO at 0:33 in the first round.
Santos faced Alfredo Morales at XFC International 3 on March 29, 2014. He won via front kick knockout in the third round.
ONE Championship
Santos faced Bakhtiyar Abbasov at ONE FC: Battle of the Lions on November 7, 2014. He struck Abbasov in the body with a knee causing him to tap out in the first round.
Santos faced Ben Askren in the main event at ONE Championship: Valor of Champions April 24. The fight was ruled "No Contest" after an eye poke from Askren at 2:19 of round 1 rendered Sapo unable to continue.
Personal life
Santos is married to fellow MMA fighter Carina Damm.