T. Santos disputes the flyweight belt in UFC 275. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Shy, but fierce in MMA. This Saturday (11), a 28-year-old woman from Santa Catarina could shock the world and join the gallery of mixed martial arts icons. At the UFC 275, Taila Santos will have the opportunity to dethrone a legend and end a hegemony in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg) that began in 2018. The target: Valentina Shevchenko.
On June 22, 1993, Taila Jaine dos Santos was born in Jaraguá do Sul (SC), an athlete who would one day assume a place in the elite of women's MMA. There are those who think that the Santa Catarina native may have fallen in love with martial arts since she was a child, but the athlete's story was not quite like that.
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The beginning
As a youngster, Taila showed affection for sports. Like most Brazilians, football was one of his passions. One of his first contacts with physical exercise was the traditional 'batting' on the streets, something increasingly rare for new generations.
Combat sport, however, comes from birth. At the age of 16, the athlete was directed by her father, Gilson Caetano, a Muay Thai teacher, to the sport. Recently introduced to the sport, Taila was signed up to compete in a traditional 'Chute Boxe' event, in Curitiba, and did well, winning in her confrontation.
Once it started, it never stopped. Supported by master Marcelo Brigadeiro, the fighter joined the traditional 'Astra Fight Team' and debuted in professional MMA in November 2013, at the age of 20.
In her first engagement in mixed martial arts, the Santa Catarina native faced and won Josiane Nunes, who, today, also shines in the UFC. To this day, Santos is the only executioner in his compatriot's career.
Blue belt in jiu-jitsu, Taila combines the complexity of his style between efficient striking and competence in the 'gentle art'. In total, there are 13 triumphs on the fast track, in 19 positive results in the sport.
Arrival at UFC
To reach Ultimate, Taila had to fight a lot – literally. There were 15 presentations until the Santa Catarina native won her dream contract with the biggest MMA organization in the world. Before putting on UFC gloves, Santos showcased her talent at Aspera FC, becoming a champion in the organization.
Promise of the flyweight, the Brazilian caught the attention of the Ultimate board after her stint on 'Dana White's Contender Series'. Through the event, the Tupiniquim surpassed Estefani Almeida and stamped the passport to her biggest dream.
Stumble at debut and redemption
Undefeated in 15 MMA appearances, Taila suffered defeat in her UFC debut. Before Mara Romero Borella, Tupiniquim has already admitted, in an interview with SUPER FIGHTS, which 'stuck', and was unable to achieve its best performance.
Success, however, was yet to come. Afterwards, Santos managed to defeat four opponents, reaching the flyweight elite.
In his last fight, a real show. In the 'deleted' UFC Las Vegas 43, Taila was the big star. Experienced rival Joanne Wood, the Brazilian only needed one round to settle the bill.
The triumph came through the submission, which earned the Santa Catarina native the 'Performance of the Night' bonus. With this feat, the Brazilian took home her dream prize of US$50 (approximately R$248).
After impressing a large part of the fans, specialized press and, of course, the UFC board, there was no way out. Taila was 'promoted' to the new belt challenger and won the right to face the legendary Valentina Shevchenko, group champion and who doesn't know what it's like to lose in the category.
To stay in history
The stage for the confrontation will be the 'Singapore Indoor Stadium', in Singapore. Away from Brazil, the Santa Catarina native could make the history of the sport by unseating one of the best MMA representatives of all time.
Mother of little Glória, the result of her marriage to triathlete Pedro Barbosa Farias, Taila will have millions of Tupiniquin fans 'connected' to the confrontation by her side. In the biggest commitment of her career, the Santa Catarina native is one step away from reaching the top of the list of great Brazilian representatives in the sport.
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