Taila Santos is raring to begin a brand new chapter in her MMA profession, as she believes she will be each a champion and a millionaire by the tip of it.
Santos (19-3), a former UFC title challenger, makes her PFL debut this Thursday at 2024 PFL 1 in San Antonio. It’s her first struggle since her sudden exit from the UFC late final yr. Santos debuts in opposition to Ilara Joanne (11-8) within the opening spherical of the 2024 PFL ladies’s flyweight season, the place she’ll be competing for the PFL title and the $1 million prize that comes with it.
Forward of such a giant competitors, Santos feels assured in her possibilities of going all the best way.
“I really feel like I’m one of many favorites coming into the match,” Santos advised MMA Junkie in Portuguese. “I already fought for the UFC title in opposition to Valentina (Shevchenko), and she or he’s a tricky fighter, and earlier than I fought her, she had large fights, and she or he’s a famend athlete. I felt like that was an necessary struggle and I felt I received it.
“So yeah, I really feel like I’m one of many favorites and I come to this match with a giant title.”
Santos took Valentina Shevchenko to the brink in a extremely aggressive UFC championship bout in 2022. Sadly for Santos, she misplaced a cut up resolution, however many thought she did sufficient to get her hand raised.
Other than the admirable exhibiting in opposition to an all-time nice, Santos had shining moments within the octagon, defeating veterans similar to Roxanne Modafferi, Molly McCann, Gillian Robertson and Joanne Wooden.
Santos doesn’t need to overlook any of her future opponents within the PFL, however her resume provides her confidence. She plans to take it step-by-step this season and never get forward of herself.
“Combat by struggle,” Santos mentioned. “I’m targeted on each goal and go step-by-step. After all, the aim and thoughts are set on attending to the ultimate, however it’s important to take it step-by-step.”
Extra PFL!
Pictures: 2024 PFL 1 ceremonial weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs
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For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for PFL 2024, Week 1.
