After 'fight of the night', Iliarde Santos wants to disenchant himself in the UFC

I. Santos hopes to win his first fight in the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges

Iliarde Santos has a clear objective: to beat Chris Cariaso and win his first victory in Ultimate. He faces the North American at UFC Fight Night 29, in Barueri, next Wednesday (11). The confidence comes from his excellent performance against Ian McCall, in August, at UFC Rio 4. On that occasion, the Brazilian was defeated, on points, but left the octagon applauded and ended up being awarded the “fight of the night” bonus.

“I found myself in this category and I felt very strong in my first fight against Ian McCall. The victory didn't come because of some details, but the recognition of my work happened and that leaves me motivated to win my next fight and finally disenchant myself with the UFC”, he stated. Iliarde Santos.

In addition to the defeat to the North American, Iliarde also lost to his compatriot Iuri Marajó, in May, on his Ultimate debut. Despite the negative results, the athlete from Pará does not see himself as far from the other athletes in the category, and believes that a victory would completely change his situation in the category.

“The category is growing and the path to the belt is not as long as the others. There are few fighters and they are all very good, so a victory makes a huge difference”, says the fighter.

Regarding the strategy he will use on Wednesday, Iliarde gives no clues. However, the 33-year-old fighter guarantees that he is very well trained both on the feet and on the ground.

“I watched Chris Cariaso fight against Jussier formiga, and he showed difficulties on the ground. But I know he's a complete fighter and that's why I have to be able to work both on top and on the ground. Therefore, wherever I feel your greatest deficiency I will attack”, he concluded.

UFC Fight Night 29 takes place next Wednesday, in Barueri, in the interior of São Paulo. The main fight of the night features a duel between the Brazilian Demian Maia and the North American Jake Shields.

Check out the full UFC Fight Night 29 card below:

Main Card

Demian Maia vs. Jake Shields

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Erick silva

Matt Hamill vs. Thiago Silva

Joey Beltran vs. Fabio Maldonado

Rousimar Toquinho vs. Mike Pierce

Raphael Assunção vs. TJ Dillashaw

Preliminary Card

Igor Araujo vs. Ildemar Marajó

Yan Cabral vs. David mitchell

Chris Cariaso vs. Iliarde Santos

Alan Patrick vs. Garett whiteley