One of three fighters jumping direct to the UFC on Saturday is Mexico’s own Santiago Luna, fighting at this year’s Noche UFC. The featherweight, an undefeated 6-0, faces Quang Le on a card headlined by Diego Lopes and Jean Silva.
Santiago “Borderboy” Luna
Standing at five-foot-nine
Fighting at 145 lbs (featherweight)
21-years-old
Fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Training out of Entram Gym
A pro record of 6-0
2 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions’
At just 21 years old, Santiago Luna already looks like one of Mexico’s brightest prospects. He comes from a decorated Olympic-level Greco-Roman wrestling background, where he became a three-time national champion and qualified for both the World Championships and Pan-American Games.
Since making the jump to MMA, Luna has steadily improved his striking. His boxing has come a long way—clean combinations, sharp body-to-head work, and a crisp jab that stands out as one of his best weapons. At times, he can get a little wild and overextend, likely a product of youth and adrenaline, but when he stays disciplined and throws straight down the middle, his hands look excellent. That rawness should settle as he matures and gains more cage time.
Despite his growing confidence on the feet, Luna’s wrestling base remains his foundation. While he isn’t much of a wrestler in open space, he excels against the cage, chaining takedowns from level changes to body locks. He does a great job of trapping an up and suplexing his opponent. On the mat, his control can be inconsistent, sometimes leaving too much space, but that often works in his favor as he hunts the back. It’s no coincidence that all four of his submission wins have come by rear-naked choke.
The main concern is timing. Luna has fought just one quality opponent, with most of his other wins coming against fighters with losing records. The UFC may be bringing him along a little too quickly, meaning he’ll essentially be developing under the brightest spotlight. Still, the tools, pedigree, and youth are all there. If the promotion gives him time to grow, Luna has everything needed to become a future star for Mexico.
