Yana Santos will face former UFC and Strikeforce champion Miesha Tate at UFC Des Moines on May 3, marking her 11th walk to the octagon. This matchup is a dream come true for the Russian veteran, who has long admired Tate and sees this fight as an opportunity to prove herself in the UFC.
Santos, also known as “Foxy,” is a former Invicta FC champion who made her octagon debut in a title fight against Cris Cyborg seven years ago. With a 5-5 record in the UFC, she recently secured a decision victory over Chelsea Chandler and is now looking forward to facing Tate in Iowa.
Expressing her excitement for the fight, Santos shared, “It was a dream match for me because I was a fan [of Tate] before I signed up in UFC. I really like her and wanted to fight her to fulfill one of my dream matches. It’s not about hate, but rather admiration for her as a fighter.”
Tate, a former Strikeforce and UFC champion, holds an impressive record in the sport. Santos, who was known as Yana Kunitskaya when Tate won her titles, sees this fight as a chance to challenge herself against a seasoned opponent. She is eager to prove her worth in the UFC and showcase her skills.
Looking ahead to the fight, Santos mentioned, “I couldn’t imagine that I would get to this level and have the opportunity to fight her. It’s a dream come true for me, and I see it as a challenge, especially when it comes to her takedowns. I am growing in my camp and preparing to show that I belong in the UFC.”
Anticipating a tough battle, Santos acknowledged that Tate will likely aim to take her down, while she plans to go for a knockout. Tate’s last fight was a victory over Julia Avila, but Santos believes the circumstances of the fight impacted Avila’s performance. Regardless, Santos is prepared for a formidable opponent in Tate.
Reflecting on her return to the octagon after giving birth to her second child, Santos admitted that it was a challenging journey. Despite facing losses, she feels that her victory over Chandler signaled her return to form. She emphasized the difficulties of balancing motherhood with training but finds motivation and strength in the process.
Santos concluded, “It’s challenging to come back after having a child, but I’m happy with my progress. It’s been a tough journey, but it has also been empowering. I feel better than ever, and I am ready to face whatever challenges come my way.”