Daniel Santos

Daniel Gustavo Gonzaga Santos (born March 12, 1995) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life and background Santos was born in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He later relocated to São Paulo, where he trained under the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team. Before turning professional, he lived in rural Brazil and worked in agriculture. He holds a black grade in Muay Thai from Kickboxing Academy and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu‑jitsu, and he competed in ten amateur Muay Thai bouts, winning all of them. Santos has cited Charles Oliveira, Thomas Almeida, and Fedor Emelianenko as key influences on his career.

Professional mixed martial arts career

Early career Santos began his professional career competing in regional Brazilian promotions, where he captured a Fatality Arena title in Rio de Janeiro and built the record that eventually led to his signing with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Santos made his debut with the UFC on April 9, 2022 against Julio Arce at UFC 273. At the weigh-ins, Arce weighed in at 136.5 pounds, half a pound over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and he forfeited 20% of his purse which went to Santos. Santos lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Santos faced John Castañeda on October 1, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 211. He won the fight by knockout in the second round with a knee. This bout earned them a Fight of the Night award.

Santos and Johnny Muñoz Jr. were expected to meet on May 6, 2023 at UFC 288, but the bout was scrapped after Santos withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. They eventually faced each other on June 3, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 46, where Santos won by unanimous decision.

Returning to the featherweight division, Santos faced Lee Jeong-yeong on May 10, 2025 at UFC 315 and won the bout via unanimous decision.

Santos was scheduled to face Choi Doo-ho on September 28, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 260. However, due to injury, Choi was replaced by Yoo Joo-sang. In addition, for unknown reasons, the bout was moved to UFC 320, which took place on October 4, 2025. Their bout was changed to a catchweight bout of 153 pounds due to both fighters weighing in over the featherweight bout limit. Santos won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.

Santos' bout with Choi was re-scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026 at UFC 328. However, it was later moved to UFC Fight Night 276 one week later on May 16, 2026 for unknown reasons. Santos lost the fight by technical knockout in the second round. This fight earned him a $100,000 Fight of the Night award.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (Two times)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Choi Doo-ho TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Yoo Joo-sang TKO (punches) UFC 320

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Lee Jeong-yeong Decision (unanimous) UFC 315

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Johnny Muñoz Jr. Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

John Castañeda KO (punches and knee) UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Julio Arce Decision (unanimous) UFC 273

Jacksonville, Florida, United States Win

Nizambek Abdrashitov Submission (armbar) Brave CF 32

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Win

Henrique Fantini TKO (spinning back kick) Future FC 6

São Paulo, Brazil Loss

Murad Kalamov Decision (unanimous) ACA 91

Grozny, Russia Win

Dukvaha Astamirov Decision (majority) ACB 80

Krasnodar, Russia Win

Cleverson Silva TKO (spinning back kick to the body) Fighten Decagon MMA 3

Londrina, Brazil Win

Jose Alexandre TKO (punches and knees) Thunder Fight 6

São Paulo, Brazil Win

Lucas Eurico KO Copa Euro 1

Uberlândia, Brazil Win

Irwing Romero Machado Decision (unanimous) Fighten Decagon MMA 2

Londrina, Brazil Win

Ary dos Santos Technical Submission (anaconda choke) Arena Fight Uberlândia 8

Uberlândia, Brazil Win

Jose Mauro dos Santos KO (spinning back elbow) Fatality Arena 6

Niterói, Brazil Win

Caio Forastieri Decision (unanimous) Warriors of God 1

Uberlândia, Brazil