UFC featherweight Mairon Santos gets a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 106 against Sodiq Yusuff on Saturday night in what may be a preview of a more permanent move later on.
“This fight came up with like four weeks. So lightweight was the weight that I could make,” Santos told reporters on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t change a lot. Sodiq is a guy who used to fight 45 too. I know he’s moving permanently, but all my partners they are lightweight. I fought lightweight a lot.”
Santos (15-1) has fought at both featherweight and lightweight in his career. 155 may be something to consider as he revealed how much weight he cuts to make 145.
“I’m just more excited that I have less weight to cut. I’m more healthy at this point. Usually fight week my energy is lower,” he said. When asked how much weight he cuts to make featherweight Santos revealed a sheepish smile.
“Like 40 pounds.”
The fight with Yusuff, regardless of weight class or notice, is the biggest fight to date for Santos. Yusuff has previously been ranked at featherweight. He brings plenty for Santos to worry about in the fight as well.
“In the beginning of the fight he’s dangerous, he’s powerful, but he usually starts to get tired after the first blitz. That’s what I want to explore. That’s where I know I can find the gaps, and I think I have to be very careful in the beginning.” he said.
“Then I know that my cardio and my movement will help me out. I think it’s going to be a good fight for me.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Mairon Santos above. He faces Sodiq Yusuff at uFC Vegas 106 on Saturday night.
