Despite the defeat, Taila Santos says she showed that Valentina Shevchenko is not unbeatable

T. Santos (left) fighting V. Shevchenko in UFC 275. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tailasantos.ufc

After surprising the world and giving the flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg) a tough fight Valentina Shevchenko, the Brazilian Taila Santos declared that he expected a greater challenge. In an interview with 'Combate', the Tupiniquim athlete said that she received many positive messages from other fighters and admitted that she was looking forward to a more difficult fight in the UFC 275.

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“It was a lot. I was very well received. I came back much more victorious than if I had come back with that belt. The affection and messages I received were gratifying, it felt like I had returned to Brazil with three belts. That's why I say I was very happy with the delivery I gave, with the experience I received. It was awesome! I received many messages, even from Charles of the Bronx and Amanda nunes. Very cool, very happy for all this recognition”, said Taila.

The former flyweight challenger revealed that she was surprised by how easy it was to take down the champion and admitted that she expected a more difficult confrontation.

“Actually, what surprised me was how easy it was. I expected that in some areas it would be much more difficult. But that's what I wanted to show, that she's not that monster, that invincible girl that other girls passed her off as. I was there with respect, she's been there for many years with the belt, so I prepared a lot, I went in ready to reveal her, to show that she's not that monster. I even surprised myself because I thought 'it's going to be difficult to take her down, it's going to be difficult to impose my game, she's a tough and intelligent girl', but in the end it was much easier than I imagined. When I went to the fence I was able to take down super easily, I managed to take the back and dominate, which surprised me. I expected a little more difficulty and in the end it was easier”, concluded the Brazilian.

Number two in the rankings, Taila saw his four-fight winning streak interrupted in a split decision defeat against Valentina Shevchenko. Now, the Brazilian athlete has 19 triumphs and two setbacks in the sport.