Despite vacating his Light Heavyweight Championship on Twitter, Jon Jones is still recognized as the belt holder. However, fighters have taken the tweet seriously. As a result, they have begun pitching themselves as the ideal candidate to compete in a fight to crown a new champion. One of these names is Brazilian fighter Thiago Santos who believes that the division needs to go forward.

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Thiago Santos wants another crack at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship 

In a chat with MMA Junkie, ‘Marreta’ revealed that he is training as the UFC can do anything and he needs to be ready. He also stressed on the importance of the division to move ahead. 

“If these things happen about Jon, if he really don’t want to fight, the light heavyweight division needs to go forward. It needs to continue, it can’t stay stopped.”

At this point, the 10-year veteran indicated his desire to compete for the belt once more. “I would like to go in line for the belt against Jones or Dominick Reyes. We never know what UFC is going to do. I’m doing what I need to do, I keep training. I’m preparing for when the UFC tells me, I’m going to be 100% ready.”

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He is even open to fighting a fellow top 5 contender if a shot at the Championship is not an option. 

Before his near 12-month layoff, ‘Marreta’ became the first fighter to claim a scorecard against ‘Bones.’ At UFC 239, Santos suffered an agonizing split decision defeat. 

On paper, this is the closest the longest-reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has come to a loss. Most fans argue that his win over Dominick Reyes was narrower. However, it is a unanimous decision as per the history books. 

The herculean effort took a toll on the Brazilian who sustained massive injuries in his left leg. These included a torn LCL, MCL, PCL, meniscus, and cracked Tibia. In his right leg, the fighter suffered a partially torn ACL. 

Santos however, had nothing but praise for ‘The Devastator.’ He said, “He did a good fight, he did a good gameplan, and he fought good. Now let’s see what’s going to happen. I’m here. If UFC tells me it’s Dominick Reyes, I’m 100% for a fight against him. So, I’m waiting for the UFC to tell me. I’m preparing. I’m healthy, I’m 100% and feel confidence in my knee and about everything.”

Who do you think Thiago Santos will make his return against? Will it be Jon Jones, Dominick Reyes, or someone else from the Light Heavyweight division?