After leaving the UFC, Iliarde Santos faces the experienced Jeff Curran at Titan FC

Iliarde Santos will have his first fight abroad against Curran. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

After an unsuccessful stint in the UFC, Iliarde Santos is already taking his next steps to resume his international career in MMA. The 33-year-old athlete signed with the North American event Titan FC and will face the experienced Jeff Curran on April 19, in the United States.

This will be his first fight outside of Brazil, as all of his UFC fights have been in his home country. In Jaraguá do Sul, he was knocked out by Iuri Marajó; in Rio de Janeiro, he lost to Ian McCall by judges' decision, while, in Barueri, he suffered a technical knockout against Chris Cariaso.

“I'm very happy for the door that opened after I left the UFC. Titan FC is an international event that will give me the opportunity to fight outside of Brazil, which is the dream of most fighters. I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to start off on the right foot in the organization and win again”, celebrates the fighter.

An MMA veteran, Curran announced his retirement after his last fight, when he lost to Peter Munhoz in the judges' decision. At 37 years old, he has spent time in the UFC, PRIDE, WEC, Strikeforce and Bellator, with a record of 34 wins and 16 losses.

His rival's great record doesn't scare Iliarde. “I know he is an experienced fighter, has a lot of fights on his record, a lot of quality and will also want to start the event with a win. It's going to be a cool fight. I like switching and he likes ground. The fans will like it”, predicted the Brazilian.

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