Leonardo Santos made his debut in the UK on BAMMA 6, out pointing Jason Ball in a thrilling contender spot bout that had the fans eager to see more. The Brazilian, who competes out of the highly respected Nova Uniao team, home to such top fighters as Jose Aldo and Diego Nunes, was happy to oblige – especially as it meant he got to take on one of the UK’s best, Rob Sinclair.
The fact that the bout will contest for the BAMMA lightweight title has Santos even more excited.
“This is the biggest fight of my career,” revealed Santos. “This is a good time for me to fight for a title and it is on a good event. I’m training very hard for this fight.”
Santos has already competed against some of the best in the world, such as his decision loss to Takanori Gomi in his MMA debut, but his respect for Sinclair is evident in his approach to this match up.
“I have seen some of Rob’s fights. He is a very good striker and his takedown defence looks very good. His Jiu-Jitsu looks good as well,” compliments from the 7-time BJJ World champ Santos.
“He is a tough guy but it is important for me to show that my gym is the best and that my Jiu-Jitsu is the best,” says the 31-year old.
“I train with a lot of the top guys who fight in the UFC. We have some of the best lightweights in the world here so it is important for me to come home with the belt.”Whilst on paper this might look like a classic striker versus grappler bout, Santos, knows that this is MMA.
“I always plan to use my Jiu-Jitsu in all my fights but I train my striking as well. I’m confident in my Muay Thai and I’m not worried if the fight goes to the mat or if he tries to take me down.”
Coming from a man who began training in BJJ at the age of seven and who holds multiple titles in the art, as well as an epic highlight reel flying armbar over Georges St. Pierre, it is little wonder that he is comfortable on the mat.
“For sure I expect Rob to keep the fight standing but I’m confident. I can take my time and work my game; there’s no rush.
“He knows how to play MMA and if he takes me down I will need to be careful but it will be more dangerous for him,” explains the 6ft 1in lightweight casually.
However, Santos has another target at BAMMA 7 and it isn’t just the title.
“When I fought Jason Ball I had eaten something bad before the fight. I was being sick before and after the bout and I was very ill.
“Right now I am training very hard. It’s a five round fight so I am making sure my cardio and strength are good but I really hope to fight better this time and look for the finish.
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