Las Vegas, NV – Taking inspiration from champions is a common thing for professional fighters. Being inspired by a champion that beat you to earn a title shot for that belt is another.
Former UFC light heavyweight challenger Thiago Santos knows he needs to continue winning and takes inspiration from champion Glover Teixeira.
“First of all I’m so happy for him and second sure he’s inspiration. Im 38-years-old. He’s 42 I think. He’s the top of this division he’s #1 he’s the champion. Absolutely he inspire, not only me, but all the fighters,” Santos said at UFC Vegas 50 media day on Wednesday.
“I support Glover Teixeira for sure. I’m so happy for him in this age he became champion. I know it’s a very tough fight for him,” Santos said.
Teixeira defends his title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275.
“I hope he can make his plan and takedowns and work his jiu jitsu inside the octagon and he can get this victory. If he can get him down I think he can dominate him.”
As for Santos he has a tall task ahead of him as well as he faces Magomed Ankalaev this Saturday night at the UFC APEX.
“Ankalaev is a tough guy no question about that, but I’m here to fight against the best fighters of the world. The best of this division so (it’s) just one more fight, one more challenge for me. I’m so excited to fight against him,” said Santos.
Santos has been known throughout his career for being a heavy puncher with the ability to end a fight at any moment. Ankalaev is known for his Sambo skills and grappling, but has been known to end fights with his hands as well. Santos knows anything can happen in this fight.
“You never know. You can’t predict. I’ve fought against other guys, strikers too, everyone expected knockout but didn’t happen. You never know so I came to (fight) five rounds because I know it’s a possibility. So if it happens I’m ready.”
As far as being the underdog in his main event slot Santos was indifferent.
“I’ve won fights where I was the underdog and lost fights where I was the top dog. I don’t put my money on the fights it’s up to the guys that bet. I don’t put my money, I don’t want to lose my money, it’s up to the people that bet.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 50 media day appearance from Thiago Santos above. The event takes place this Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV.
