Jorge Santiago signs multi-fight deal with UFC !!

Jorge Santiago has found his way back to the UFC.

Sources have confirmed to ESPN.com that the American Top Team fighter has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC and is expected to make his return to the promotion at UFC 130 on May 28 in Las Vegas. His opponent has not yet been determined.

The UFC and Strikeforce veteran recently negotiated his release from Sengoku Raiden Championship, where he's fought his last eight fights, posting a 7-1 record. He also holds the World Victory Road middleweight title, which he will now vacate.

Santiago (23- had a brief stint in the UFC in 2006, during which he posted a 1-2 record. After defeating Justin Levens by first-round knockout in his UFC debut, Santiago suffered back-to-back losses to Chris Leben and Alan Belcher.

The Brazilian middleweight has fought many of the sport's recognizable names during his eight-year pro career, including Manny Gamburyan, Diego Sanchez, Jeremy Horn, Trevor Prangley and Siyar Bahadurzada.

The UFC 130 event is expected to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. A lightweight title fight between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard will serve as the main event.


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Rematch with Belcher? Or replace Wandi to fight Stann at 130 if Wanderlei is still injured. Good signing for UFC IMO.

Wand would be a good 'Welcome to the UFC' fight, but i don't think Wand would accept it.

Belcher is a good shout, when's he supposed to be back?

Good call Red Meanie, Stann V Santiago has been announced for UFC 130 in place of Silva V Stann.

Stann v Santiago is a decent enough match, probably be the first fight on the ppv. Stann to finish it in the second for me although Santiago has been on a great run since leaving the UFC.

I dont fancy Santiago's chances in this fight, Stann hits really hard, and looks really strong as a MW, i think he wins by stoppage in the 1st round.


Greg Jackson has been doing a great job with him.

The_Axe_Emperor wrote:Wand would be a good 'Welcome to the UFC' fight, but i don't think Wand would accept it.

Belcher is a good shout, when's he supposed to be back?

i agree belcher would be a good fight.

Santiago is really more skilled everywhere and more experienced.
but Stann is a KO puncher and Santiago has lets be honest a poor chin...so im 50/50.

santiago will knock him down and then get the sub, imo

but he's not going to be a real title contender because of his chin I dont think. He wont be able to string a lot of wins together because of it

Santiago's chin is always a huge worry, especially against some one who had the power to KO the granite jawed Leben. Santiago's chin is pretty horrible, probably in the top 5 worst in MMA today.

But saying that he is a skilled fighter, both on the ground and standing. He's got to be careful not to make this a brawl and fight smart. I'd edge towards Stann but Santiago does have a good chance.