The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 welterweight winner Leonardo Santos has retired from MMA following a decision defeat to Jared Gordon at UFC 278 on Aug. 20, he announced Thursday night on social media.
Santos leaves the sport on a three-fight skid to Grant Dawson, Clay Guida and Gordon, bringing his professional record to 18-6-1. At one point during his UFC run, Santos was unbeaten in eight consecutive bouts against the likes of Kevin Lee and Anthony Rocco Martin.
” A topic that seemed so far for me is now present within my life,” Santos said in Portuguese. “One of the toughest decisions in an athlete’s life is to decide the right moment to retire. Talking about MMA involves more than just the five or six rounds. It’s also about the daily routines, time spent with family, and choices made for your lifestyle. There’s no half-athlete. You’re either 100 percent in or you’re out. I was 100 percent in as of yesterday.
” You’ve likely understood that I am retiring. Not because I don’t love the sport anymore. Martial arts is something I have always loved and will continue to love. But, this moment is the best time to make a stop. It was a lot. I can look back at what I have accomplished over the many years of my professional career. The UFC is the biggest promotion in the world, and I have reached the place that every fighter dreams of. But I must look ahead. Thanks to God, I don’t have anything left to prove.
“This is my decision. I always wanted it to be on my terms and not imposed by others. This is the way I intend to live my life from now. It won’t be without memories, reservations and thoughts. I will miss everything, including the atmosphere and camp, as well as all that was related to my career .”
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Santos defeated future 205-pound contender Thiago Santos via decision on TUF: Brazil 2 in 2013. Although he lost to Santiago Ponzinibbio in the semifinals, he advanced to the final of the reality TV show and was tapped by William Macario for the title.
The Nova Uniao Representative made his MMA debut 2001, but only after he won major jiu jitsu titles between 2002 & 2005. in Brazil. Santos won against Fredson Paixao, Georges St-Pierre and Leonardo Vieira during grappling competition.
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