A New Chapter in the Octagon
Mairon Santos has a lot riding on his upcoming fight at UFC 313 in Las Vegas, and it’s more than just the thrill of victory. This past January, Santos’ wife Yasmim Bonfim welcomed their son Ayron into the world, a joyous event that has added a new layer of purpose to Santos’ career. The 24-year-old Brazilian fighter, known for his high-octane style and impressive knockout power, is now not only fighting to win but also to secure a $50,000 bonus check. Santos is determined to leave a lasting impression in the octagon, and he is training with the singular goal of finishing his opponent, Francis Marshall, in spectacular fashion.
A Father’s Determination
“I’m training [for the finish], that’s the plan,” Santos told MMA Fighting. “And also, I need the bonus because I have a little son now. That’s the plan, leave the man unconscious on the ground.” Santos’ motivation is clear: to provide for his growing family. With a newborn to care for, the financial stakes are higher than ever. "That’s a lot of diapers, man. More than 10 diapers a day," Santos laughed. "And not only that. He’s starting to interact more now, so we’ll have to buy toys. And then buy even more stuff [laughs]. So I have to get the bonus." The responsibility of fatherhood has sharpened his focus and intensified his drive to succeed.
A Bumpy Road to Glory
Santos’ journey to this point has been anything but smooth. He secured his place in the UFC by winning the featherweight title on The Ultimate Fighter 32 with a devastating knockout of Kaan Ofli in August 2024. However, despite his impressive victory, Santos was left feeling somewhat sour when he didn’t receive a bonus for his efforts. "Last time, they didn’t give me a bonus, I’m still kinda salty about that, so now I’ll do everything I can to get the bonus," he said. The setback has only fueled his determination to prove his worth in the octagon.
A Golden Opportunity
UFC 313 is headlined by a highly anticipated light heavyweight championship bout between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira has a stellar record of winning bonuses in six of his nine UFC victories, while co-headliner Justin Gaethje has an impressive 13 bonuses, even outshining his UFC win count of eight. This makes the competition for a bonus even more intense, but Santos sees it as a golden opportunity. "I feel this is my moment," Santos said. "It’s a great opportunity. I can’t wait to get there and work. It’s a big card and I believe the UFC needed good fights and good Brazilians to join ‘Poatan,’ and I’m happy I was one of the ones called. I’m glad to know the UFC sees me that way. It’s an honor to be on such a card, especially with Poatan leading it."
A Favorable Matchup
Francis Marshall, Santos’ opponent on Saturday night, has a 2-2 record under the UFC banner, with notable wins over Marcelo Rojo and Dennis Buzukja. Marshall trains alongside some of the best talents in the sport at American Top Team, including Movsar Evloev, Grant Dawson, and Mateusz Gamrot. Despite his opponent’s credentials, Santos believes he has the edge in this matchup. "It’s going to be similar to my last opponents since the first fight on TUF," Santos said. "I’ve evolved a lot since my loss to the wrestler [Dan Argueta, at LFA 123]. I don’t see it as such a mystery anymore, beating guys like that. We have to respect their game, of course, but I don’t see him offering me much in that wrestling area."
A Fighter’s Resolve
Santos is confident that his improved game will be the key to victory. "I think he will try to trade a little on the feet, and that’s what I want. It’s a perfect match-up for me because he isn’t excellent on takedowns — and when he can’t get the takedown, he tries to strike," he explained. Santos’ strategic approach and newfound sense of purpose make him a formidable opponent. As he steps into the octagon this Saturday, the world will be watching to see if Mairon Santos can deliver on his promise of a spectacular finish and secure the bonus that will help him provide for his young family.
