Mairon Santos is poised to seek redemption at UFC 323, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His previous experience at the arena left him with mixed feelings, particularly after a controversial victory against Francis Marshall at UFC 313. This time, he faces Muhammad Naimov, aiming to prove himself once more on a significant stage.
Mairon Santos’ Journey to Redemption
Santos gained recognition after winning a season of The Ultimate Fighter in August 2024. His ride in the UFC continued with a victory in March 2025 that he, however, considers controversial. Reflecting on his last performance, he shared, “I rewatched the bout and thought I deserved to lose.” This sentiment adds personal stakes to his upcoming fight.
Fighting in Las Vegas
For Santos, competing in Las Vegas feels like a homecoming. “Fighting in Vegas is like fighting at home,” he stated. This UFC event is also the last pay-per-view of the year, amplifying its significance for him. Santos expressed eagerness to redeem himself and deliver an impressive performance at the T-Mobile Arena.
Current Stats and Recent Performances
- Record: 16 wins, 1 loss (3-0 in UFC)
- Last Fight: Victory against Sodiq Yusuff via decision at UFC APEX in May
His recent win against Yusuff showcases his skill, but he aims for an even more decisive outcome against Naimov, saying, “I’m training hard to finish this fight.” Santos is determined to knock out Naimov, hopefully in the second or third round.
Facing Muhammad Naimov
Naimov comes into this fight with a two-fight winning streak, having recently defeated Kaan Ofli and Bogdan Grad. Santos acknowledges Naimov’s skills but believes he will dominate the match. “I see him as a complete opponent, but I don’t think he’s a specialist in anything,” he explained.
Future Aspirations
While Santos currently competes in the featherweight division, he has aspirations to eventually move to lightweight. “I see myself like a Max Holloway,” he noted, emphasizing the potential for growth and adaptability. For now, he is fully focused on making his mark at 145 pounds.
As UFC 323 approaches, Mairon Santos stands ready to leave behind the controversies of his last fight and solidify his position among the elite featherweights, with a burning desire for redemption at the T-Mobile Arena.
