Thiago Santos Explains Why He Left UFC On Short Notice

Thiago Santos has just opened up about his decision to suddenly part ways with the UFC after being associated with the organization for nine years.

“I won’t be a hypocrite, of course that I want the $1 million [prize],” Santos said, referring to the prize money that the organization pays the winner of their tournament.

“I don’t want to wait until it’s too late [in my career], like almost retiring, to fight one last fight and try a lot of money. No, I really want to fight. I know I still can do great things in MMA, I still have a few more years of fighting. The moment had to be now. New opportunities, better purse. Everything made me opt for the change.”

The Brazilian fighter lost last five of his six fights with the UFC.

His last fight resulted in a loss in his main event bout with Jamahal Hill in August. He lost via a fourth-round TKO defeat, but he put on a show in the ‘Fight of the Night’ outing, earning him a $50,000 bonus.

He had one more fight left on his contract with Dana White and co, but Santos feels like this was the right time for him to make hay of the PFL’s offer.

“They had reached out asking how many fights I had left and when my contract would end, and they came with an offer,” he revealed.