Gabriel Mosquitinho weighing in for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @gabrielsantosufc
Touted as a great promise in the featherweight category (up to 65,7kg), Gabriel Santos, better known as 'Mosquitinho', is hoping to return to the Octagon after a long period of inactivity. In an attempt to show progress made since his last performance, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about what it was like dealing with injuries and adversity until he was ready to fight again.
“I was supposed to fight in the first UFC this year, on January 13th, but I broke my hand. My hand was already broken, it had been hurt for a long time, I was just biting it more. And then the fight was cancelled. I was very sad, a lot of things happened on this journey, not just physical injuries, but mental injuries as well and that slowed me down a little. I believe I will fight again in July or August. I wanted to fight in London (UFC 304), there are several events in Vegas too”, said Mosquitinho.
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In addition to being renewed to step into the octagon again, Gabriel discussed the last big decision of his career: moving from Brazilian TKO to Chute Boxe Diego Lima.
“We had already been talking. A lot of things happened to me and I needed a place where I could develop, be happier and other things. I've been here for a month and two weeks. I'm adapting very well to the training, guys, it seems like I already know them and I make friends very quickly. The important thing is to be happy where you are and the rest will happen.”
Diego Lima (left) next to Gabriel Mosquitinho at Chute Boxe. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @gabrielsantosufc_
Hired in 2022 to debut at the last minute, Mosquitinho has not yet managed to triumph in the UFC and has suffered two defeats in the organization. Despite the difficult moment, the Brazilian expresses optimism that he will turn things around.
“I really believe in what God has for my life. I know where I came from, I know what I do every day, my work is very hard. Not just talking about training, but in general. It's great to be a champion just on the mat, I want to see it outside of it. In the UFC, today, I have a contract with four fights, I've already done two, but for me it's like a tournament: I have to beat the guys to move up. What I really want in the next fight is for me to be able to develop what I’m working on every day.”
Determined to focus solely on victory, the athlete didn't worry about choosing the ideal name for his next fight and was willing to accept offers from the UFC.
“In the situation I am in today, I don’t want to call anyone. I want to leave work for the UFC. But soon, rising and winning, yes (I will challenge). But now I will leave the work to them. I’m not in a position to say which fight (I want),” she concluded.
Gabriel Mosquitinho debuted in Ultimate against Lerone murphy. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
At 27 years old, Gabriel Santos has 10 wins and two losses in his professional record. Former LFA and Future MMA champion, the Brazilian is considered one of the biggest promises in the featherweight division, despite having been defeated by Lerone murphy e david onama in his last appearances in the octagon.
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