After two layoffs, Jorge Santiago returns to UFC in London

Brazilian Jorge Santiago is back in Ultimate. The Brazilian athlete signed with the organization for the third time, just over a year after his second dismissal. The Brazilian's return will be against Gunnar Nelson at UFC on FUEL 7, an event that takes place on February 16, in London. Santiago was called up to make up the night's card after Justin Edwards' injury.

Santiago was cut from the organization in October 2011, after being defeated in the two fights he had on his return to the organization, against Brian Stann and Demian Maia. After leaving Ultimate, the fighter returned to the welterweight category and had two fights for Titan FC. In the new event, he beat Leonardo Peçanha and Justin Guthrie in the first round. Santiago even signed with Strikeforce, but the event definitively ended its activities before the Brazilian's debut.

In turn, Santiago's opponent, Icelandic Gunnar Nelson, is undefeated in MMA – he has won ten wins and one draw in his career. Nelson is a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a pupil of Renzo Gracie. The Icelander only had one UFC fight, against DaMarques Johnson, at UFC on Fuel TV 5, in a fight with a combined weight of up to 79 kg. However, only Nelson remained within the proposed margin – Johnson weighed 83kg on the day of the weigh-in. Even so, the Icelander accepted and won the fight, submitting his opponent in the first round.

PUBLICITY:

UFC on FUEL 7 will feature a fight for the interim bantamweight belt between Renan Barao and Michael McDonald. Check out the full event card below:

Main Card

PUBLICITY:

Renan Barao vs. MichaelMcDonald;

Dustin poirier vs. Cub swanson;

PUBLICITY:

Cyrille Diabate vs. Jimi Manuwa;

Gunnar Nelson vs. Jorge santiago;

Ryan Jimmo vs. James Te Huna;

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Che Mills vs. Matthew Riddle;

Preliminary Card

Terry emo vs. Renee Forte;