Manuwa vs. Santos Targeted for UFC Sao Paulo

While the bout is not official yet, multiple sources state that Thiago Santos has verbally agreed on short notice to compete in the main event of UFC Sao Paulo against Jimi Manuwa. The initial report comes from ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.

Thiago Santos has now emerged as the frontrunner to fight Jimi Manuwa on short notice in the main event of next month’s UFC Fight Night São Paulo event on Sept. 22, though the fight isn’t a done deal just yet, sources say. It would take place at light heavyweight.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 17, 2018

Manuwa was scheduled to face Glover Teixeira, but Teixeira was forced out of the bout a few days ago due to a shoulder injury that will require surgery.

Earlier this week, Santos posted a tweet, claiming that Manuwa turned down a fight against him initially. That prompted Manuwa to respond and a minor war of words on the social media platform.

“ I offered to fight Manuwa in Sao Paulo but he declined. I get it! He is coming off 2 losses doesnt need a 3rd!!!! @ufc @ufc_brasil @canalCombate

— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) August 15, 2018

🇧🇷 in coming to take this boys head ☝🏾

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) August 17, 2018

Gonna show this boy the meaning of respect ,through violence.

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) August 17, 2018

I never disrespect anyone. Usually, when guys start huffing and puffing, it means they are scared! @ufc @UFCBrasil @canalCombate #UFCSãoPaulo

— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) August 17, 2018

This will be a quick turnaround for Santos, who competed and won the opening bout of the pay-per-view portion of UFC 227, defeating Kevin Holland via unanimous decision.

Manuwa will look to bounce back from a two-fight losing skid, suffering defeats at the hands of Jan Błachowicz at a Fight Night event back in March, as well as Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 214 in July 2017.

UFC Sao Paulo takes place on Sept. 22 from Ginásio do Ibirapuera.

Original Story: MMA Fighting