SAN ANTONIO – Saturday won’t be the first time Yana Santos has stepped in a cage opposite legendary women’s fighter Holly Holm. It will just be the first time the world gets to see it.
Santos (14-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC), who meets former bantamweight champion Holm (14-6 MMA, 7-6 UFC) in the UFC on ESPN 43 co-headliner at AT&T Center, has trained quite extensively with her upcoming foe in the past at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M.
“I respect her so much,” Santos told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “We trained a lot together, and she was probably the first big star who I met when I came to America. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Although the memories of leaving her native Russia and training alongside Holm are still fresh in her mind, many years have gone by in reality. Santos did not reveal who got the better of each other during sparring, but she teased that it was action-packed.
Santos, 33, isn’t holding on to any particular successes or failures during those moments. She knows both she and Holm, 41, aren’t comparable to the past versions of themselves who shared a gym.
“Six years ago we trained a lot, sparred a lot, and we don’t have anything between us,” Santos said. “I only have respect for her before and after fight. I don’t take this personal. I’m still going to bring my best in the octagon. I think it’s nice to see what we both changed in these six years, so I don’t think it’s going to affect anything.
“A lot of time when she sparred around the gym, a lot of people say, ‘We should have to pay to see you girls because of how crazy (it is).’ I think it’s a great style matchup. We both like to strike and go forward, aggressive. I think it will be so exciting.”
UFC on ESPN 43, which airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+, will mark Santos’ return to competition after a 20-month layoff. She took a hiatus to give birth to her baby with her husband, former UFC title challenger and current PFL light heavyweight Thiago Santos.
Given it’s the second time Santos has put her career on pause to have a child, she is familiar with the process of coming back and what it takes to be ready. She said she’s there now and knows what a win over a decorated opponent like Holm could do for her career.
“I think yes (I could get a title shot with a win),” Santos said. “But I always try to not look over the fight and focus only on fight this Saturday.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 43.
