Brazilian Hector Santiago (right) delivers a beautiful knockout to Lawrence Lui (left) at UFC Shanghai . Photo: Reproduction / Twitter UFC
Brazilian Hector Santiago lived a cinematic story in the UFC. At 33 years old, he was called up at the last minute, just 12 days before the event, and shone on the other side of the world. The São Paulo native knocked out Lawrence Lui in just 53 seconds of fighting. The fight was on the preliminary card of UFC Shanghai , held in the early hours of this Saturday (29).
“This (being in the UFC) was a dream 10 days ago. The opportunity caught me by surprise, but it didn't catch me unprepared. You at home, believe in your dreams, work hard for them, trust in God. It happens,” Hector stated while still in the octagon.
With this result, Hector Santiago achieved his seventh MMA victory, his first in the UFC. He also has one loss. On the other hand, Lawrence Lui has a professional record of eight wins and two losses.
From Money Moicano MMA to the UFC
Brazilian Hector Santiago (left) delivers a beautiful knockout to Lawrence Lui (right) at UFC Shanghai . Photo: Reproduction / Twitter UFC
In May, Hector Santiago was in action at the first edition of Money Moicano MMA, an event promoted by UFC fighter Renato Moicano . Just over three months later, he made his UFC debut in grand style. In the fight, the Brazilian took control of the action.
Hector closed the distance and attacked Lui, who seemed frightened and only retreated, trying to escape the Brazilian's combination of punches and kicks. The finish came in grand style. In an exchange of blows, his rival closed the distance, but was met with two punches and retreated. The Brazilian took advantage of the moment and with a right straight sent his rival to the canvas.
Video of Hector Santiago's knockout at UFC Shanghai:
UFC Shanghai: Hector Santiago landed one big shot and Lawrence Lui barely got a chance to respond. 😳💀
Santiago picked up a second-round KO in his UFC debut, but the stoppage instantly raised eyebrows as Lui apparently seemed capable of defending himself if given the chance. 🥊…
— MMA On Line (@MMAOnLine_) August 29, 2026
UFC Shanghai Results
MAIN CARD (7pm Brasília time)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Song Yadong defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by knockout at 1:47 of round 2.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Denise Gomes defeated Yan Xiaonan by knockout at 4:49 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Kai Asakura defeated Aori Qileng by technical knockout at 34 seconds of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Su Mudaerji defeated Alex Perez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Liu Ce defeated Levi Rodrigues Jr. by knockout at 4:25 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Bilal Hasan defeated Nilson Rojas by knockout at 2:30 of round 2.
PRELIMINARY CARD (4pm Brasília time)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): André Mascote defeated Namsrai Batbayar by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:05 of round 3.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Rei Tsuruya defeated Kevin Borjas by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:14 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Sean Woodson defeated Jack Jenkins by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Francesco Nuzzi defeated Xiao Long by technical knockout at 1 minute of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Hector Santiago defeated Lawrence Lui by knockout 53 seconds into round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Julia Polastri defeated Xiong Jingnan by knockout at 3:06 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Cam Nelson defeated Ding Meng by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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