Thiago Santos did not attend the UFC at the ESPN + 40 post-fight news conference.
A few moments earlier, Santos (21-8 MMA, 13-7 UFC) had taped a third-round rear-naked square against fellow Brazilian Glover Taxira (32-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) in the main event. It was Santos’ long-awaited return after surgery on both knees.
The win would have kept him in the light heavyweight title picture after less than two years, when he lost a close decision to former champion John Jones in the fight, many thought he had done enough to become the champion. Instead, the upset gave Santos two straight shots and put him back in the pack for a title dispute.
On Sunday, Santos posted his first public comment about the damage done to him
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