Yana Santos’ eleventh stroll to the octagon can be a dream come true problem for the Russian veteran, who faces former UFC and Strikeforce titleholder Miesha Tate at UFC Des Moines on Might 3.
“Cunning” is a former Invicta FC champion who debuted within the octagon straight in a title struggle with Cris Cyborg seven years in the past, and racked up a 5-5 file within the group since. Again to the profitable column with a choice over Chelsea Chandler in August 2024, she now fulfills a life-long dream in Iowa.
“It was a dream match for me as a result of I used to be a fan [of Tate] earlier than I signed up in UFC,” Santos informed MMA Combating. “I used to be wanting her fights and so many different ladies and I actually like her. That’s why I wished a lot to struggle her, as effectively like different dream matches like Gina Carano or one thing like this. It’s not like as a result of I hate her, as a result of I like her is why I wished to struggle her.”
Tate received the Strikeforce bantamweight championship in August 2010, when Santos — Yana Kunitskaya on the time — was nonetheless 2-1 within the sport. “Cupcake” claimed UFC gold in 2016 when she choked out Holly Holm.
“I couldn’t think about that I’d get to this degree, and I couldn’t think about that at some point I’ve a chance to struggle her, so for me it’s like a dream come true,” Santos mentioned. “And stylistically, for me it was like a little bit bit problem about her takedowns however it’s what makes me excited. I’m rising in my camp and we all know what we are able to wait from her. … For me, it’s to show that I belong right here in UFC.”
Santos mentioned there’s “no shock” what she and Tate will attempt to do Saturday evening, as Tate “will attempt to put me down and I’ll attempt to knock her out.” Tate hasn’t fought since December 2023, when she snapped a two-fight skid by beating Julia Avila through third-round submission. Santos received’t downplay her victory, however notes that Avila wasn’t in her finest situation.
“I don’t need prefer to take something from her final efficiency, however her opponent tore her LCL,” Santos mentioned. “It was a superb efficiency, certain, however I feel it’s one of many the explanation why Julia didn’t give like a lot again, as a result of she couldn’t stand on her knee. However anyway, certain, it was a superb efficiency, superb efficiency. It was a very long time in the past.”
“However I put together for for finest Miesha,” she continued. “I feel she’s in fine condition. I feel she’s on this place when she has to show that she’s nonetheless on this degree and that she desires to go to title and all this stuff. I ready for onerous struggle.”
“Cunning” gave beginning to her second youngster on April 2022, with fellow MMA fighter Thiago Santos. She dropped two selections in a row since then, shedding to Holly Holm and Karol Santos earlier than the victory over Chandler, and laments the way in which she dealt with her return from being pregnant.
“It’s very onerous to return again,” Santos mentioned. “You’re feeling mentally that you just’re prepared, you wish to struggle, and also you get there and you’ve got losses, particularly with nursing, all of the issues, you possibly can’t sleep, child wants you a lot. First yr was powerful, however my final struggle might be first one once I felt like myself again and really feel like higher than ever. I feel it’s type of not like mistake, however it’s difficult to return again quick. You most likely may take a little bit bit extra, however I’m pleased with every part that occurred. It’s difficult, however at similar time it provides a lot motivation and a lot energy.”
