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Evangelista Santos

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Evangelista Santos
Born (1977-12-12) 12 December 1977 (age 47)
Rondonopolis, Brazil
Other namesCyborg
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Reach71 in (180 cm)
Fighting out ofHouston, Texas, United States
TeamChute Boxe Academy
The Arena
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cristiano Marcello
Years active1997–2014, 2015–2016
Mixed martial arts record
Total39
Wins21
By knockout14
By submission4
By decision3
Losses18
By knockout12
By submission2
By decision4
Other information
Notable relativesCristiane "Cyborg" Santos (divorced)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Evangelista Santos (Portuguese pronunciation: [evɐ̃ʒeˈlistɐ ˈsɐ̃tus] born December 12, 1977) is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist. A professional from 1997 until 2016, Santos competed for Strikeforce, Bellator MMA, the PRIDE Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, International Vale Tudo Championships, Pancrase, Jungle Fight, Legacy FC, and World Victory Road. Known for his exciting fighting style, 14 of his 21 wins ended via knockout. Santos is a former runner up for the Strikeforce Welterweight Title.

Background

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Born and raised in the city of Rondonopolis, Santos did not have a particularly safe upbringing; at the age of 12, he was introduced to cockfighting, which was popular and not yet illegal in Brazil. After training and taking care of fighting roosters for five more years, he began training in kickboxing which eventually led him to vale tudo at the age of 18.[1] Santos was also a four-time Brazilian national champion in Muay Thai.

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Santos turned professional when he was 20 years old and began his career 2-0 before facing legendary Brazilian fighter Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons, losing by TKO. Santos won his first two fights with the British Cage Rage organization before returning to Brazil's Jungle Fight, winning over future KSW Middleweight Champion Michal Materla by knockout, which is Materla's only knockout loss of his career to date. Santos then fought against Dutch kickboxer Melvin "No Mercy" Manhoef for the Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Championship. The two fought a highly-entertaining bout, trading punches but Santos ultimately lost after being knocked out. Santos won his next two fights, including a majority decision over future UFC veteran Francis Carmont before making his debut in PRIDE FC.

PRIDE Fighting Championships

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Santos made his debut in Japan's PRIDE FC against submission specialist Kazuhiro Nakamura, losing by a keylock submission. His next fight with the Japanese organization was against Japanese professional boxer Yosuke Nishijima, which Santos won by a rear-naked choke submission.

World Victory Road

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Santos fought again for the Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Championship against James Zikic but lost by unanimous decision. Santos also lost his next fight against Armenian superstar Gegard Mousasi by TKO before making his debut in World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku Raiden Championships against Makoto Takimoto, winning by an achilles lock. Santos fought once more for the Japanese organization against future UFC veteran Siyar Bahadurzada, losing by TKO after receiving an arm injury.

Strikeforce

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Santos made his Strikeforce debut June 19, 2009, and headlined the Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg event, but came up short against former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion Joey Villasenor losing by a split decision. In his next fight, he went on to face and defeat Marius Zaromskis, who battled Nick Diaz for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight Title.

Santos challenged Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz for the title on January 29, 2011, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.[2] He lost the fight via armbar submission in the second round.

Santos was due to fight Paul Daley at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson but was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.[3] Santos fought Strikeforce newcomer Jordan Mein on September 10, 2011, at Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov. After a grueling back and forth fight "Cyborg" was defeated by Mein via TKO due to Elbows in the third round handing "Cyborg" back to back defeats, Santos has now suffered his fourth loss in his last six fights.

After a long period of inactivity, Santos requested his release from Strikeforce to fight more consistently. His request was granted.

Legacy Fighting Championship

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Santos was expected to face Pete Spratt at Legacy Fighting Championship 17 on February 1, 2013.[4] However, Santos was forced to pull out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Dan Hornbuckle.[5]

After nearly two years away from the sport,[6] Santos returned to face Artenas Young in the main event during Legacy Fighting Championship 50 on January 22, 2016.[7] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Gringo Super Fight

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Santos made his GSF debut on April 28, 2014, against Melvin Manhoef in a rematch from 2006. Santos, who was knocked out by Manhoef in their first outing, lost to Manhoef again via first-round knockout.[8] Santos then announced his retirement shortly after the fight.[9]

Bellator MMA

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On March 1, 2016, it was announced that Santos signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.

Santos made his organizational debut April 22 on the main card of Bellator 153 in a welterweight matchup beating Brennan Ward via first round submission.

Making a quick turnaround, Santos agreed to fight Saad Awad at Bellator 154 on May 14, 2016, but lost.

On July 16, 2016, Santos faced Michael "Venom" Page and was defeated via KO by a flying knee, resulting in a frontal sinus fracture.[10][11]

Santos retired in January 2017. He spent a year coaching in Curitiba, Brazil. In early 2018 he returned to the USA and is coaching in his own gym in Texas. In August 2018 Santos confirmed he had no plans to return to competition.[12]

Personal life

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Santos was married to women's MMA fighter Cristiane Justino from 2005 to December 2011.[13] It was during this time she adopted his nickname for herself.[14]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
39 matches 21 wins 18 losses
By knockout 14 12
By submission 4 2
By decision 3 4
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 21–18 Michael Page KO (flying knee) Bellator 158 July 16, 2016 2 4:31 London, United Kingdom
Loss 21–17 Saad Awad TKO (punches) Bellator 154 May 14, 2016 1 4:31 San Jose, California, United States
Win 21–16 Brennan Ward Submission (heel hook) Bellator 153 April 22, 2016 1 0:30 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 20–16 Artenas Young Decision (unanimous) Legacy FC 50 January 22, 2016 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 19–16 Melvin Manhoef TKO (punches) Gringo Super Fight 10 April 27, 2014 1 0:46 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil For the vacant Gringo Super Fight Welterweight Championship.
Win 19–15 Elton Rodrigues TKO (punches) Warriors of God August 17, 2013 1 1:37 Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Loss 18–15 Jordan Mein TKO (elbows) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov September 10, 2011 3 3:18 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Loss 18–14 Nick Diaz Submission (armbar) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg January 29, 2011 2 4:50 San Jose, California, United States For the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship.
Win 18–13 Marius Žaromskis TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Los Angeles June 16, 2010 1 2:38 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 17–13 Daniel Zarate TKO (head kick and punches) Samurai Fight Combat 2 December 12, 2009 1 1:41 Curitiba, Brazil Welterweight debut.
Loss 16–13 Joey Villasenor Decision (split) Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg June 19, 2009 3 5:00 Kent, Washington, United States
Loss 16–12 Siyar Bahadurzada TKO (arm injury) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 5 September 28, 2008 1 0:35 Tokyo, Japan
Win 16–11 Makoto Takimoto Submission (achilles lock) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku First Battle March 5, 2008 1 4:51 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 15–11 Gegard Mousasi TKO (punches) HCF: Destiny February 1, 2008 1 3:42 Calgary, Canada Middleweight debut.
Loss 15–10 James Zikic Decision (unanimous) Cage Rage 21 April 21, 2007 5 5:00 London, United Kingdom For the Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 15–9 Yosuke Nishijima Submission (rear-naked choke) PRIDE FC: Final Conflict Absolute September 10, 2006 1 3:24 Saitama, Japan
Loss 14–9 Kazuhiro Nakamura Submission (americana) PRIDE FC: Critical Countdown Absolute July 1, 2006 1 4:49 Saitama, Japan
Win 14–8 Francis Carmont Decision (majority) WFC: Europe vs Brazil May 20, 2006 3 5:00 Koper, Slovenia
Win 13–8 Roberto Godoi Decision (unanimous) Show Fight 4 April 6, 2006 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 12–8 Melvin Manhoef KO (punches) Cage Rage 15 February 4, 2006 2 3:51 London, United Kingdom For the Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 12–7 Michal Materla KO (punches) Jungle Fight 5 November 26, 2005 2 2:03 Manaus, Brazil
Win 11–7 Darren Little TKO (corner stoppage) Cage Rage 13 September 10, 2005 1 0:55 London, United Kingdom
Win 10–7 Kassim Annan TKO (submission to soccer kicks) Meca World Vale Tudo 12 July 9, 2005 1 3:43 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 9–7 Mark Epstein TKO (punches) Cage Rage 11 April 30, 2005 1 2:16 London, United Kingdom
Loss 8–7 Antony Rea TKO (punches) Cage Rage 10 February 26, 2005 2 1:55 London, United Kingdom
Loss 8–6 Yuki Kondo Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Brave 10 November 7, 2004 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 8–5 Claudio Godoi TKO (punches) Conquista Fight 1 December 20, 2003 3 2:23 Bahia, Brazil
Win 8–4 Lucas Lopes TKO (punches and leg kick) Jungle Fight 1 September 13, 2003 2 4:08 Manaus, Brazil
Loss 7–4 Maurício Rua TKO (punches) Meca World Vale Tudo 9 August 1, 2003 1 8:12 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 7–3 Gabriel Santos KO (knee) K-NOCK July 23, 2003 1 1:01 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 6–3 Osami Shibuya KO (punch) Pancrase: Hybrid 5 May 18, 2003 1 1:20 Yokohama, Japan
Win 5–3 Silvio de Souza KO (punch) Meca World Vale Tudo 7 November 8, 2002 1 0:10 Curitiba, Brazil
Loss 4–3 Angelo Araujo TKO (punches) IVC 14: USA vs Brazil November 11, 2001 1 8:46 Caracas, Venezuela
Win 4–2 Jefferson Silva KO (punch) IVC 14: USA vs Brazil November 11, 2001 1 2:28 Caracas, Venezuela
Win 3–2 Aaron Sullivan TKO (punches) IVC 14: USA vs Brazil November 11, 2001 1 0:13 Caracas, Venezuela
Loss 2–2 Jorge Magalhaes Decision (unanimous) Heroes 2 June 30, 2001 1 12:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 2–1 Jose Landi-Jons TKO (punches) BVF 8: Campeonato Brasileiro de Vale Tudo 2 November 20, 1997 1 8:18 Brazil
Win 2–0 Adriano Verdelli TKO (submission to punches) BVF 8: Campeonato Brasileiro de Vale Tudo 2 November 20, 1997 1 1:56 Brazil
Win 1–0 Roberto Pereira Submission (rear-naked choke) BVF 8: Campeonato Brasileiro de Vale Tudo 2 November 20, 1997 1 2:37 Brazil

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (April 22, 2016). "Evangelista Santos: From cockfighting to Bellator". MMA Fighting.
  2. ^ "Strikeforce: Nick Diaz vs Evangelista Santos booked for Jan. 29 in San Jose". mmamania.com. 2010-12-22.
  3. ^ "Cyborg Out Of Strikeforce Bout With Daley On July 30th". YourMMA.tv. Archived from the original on 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2011-06-24.
  4. ^ "Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos, Pete Spratt to Headline Legacy Fighting Championship 17". Sherdog.com. 2012-12-02.
  5. ^ "Training Injury Postpones Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos' Legacy Fighting Championship Debut". Sherdog.com. 2013-01-03.
  6. ^ "Legacy FC 50 main event to fill title vacated by Holly Holm". mmajunkie.com. 2015-11-24.
  7. ^ "Legacy Fighting Championship 50 Event Info". legacyfights.net. 2015-12-15.
  8. ^ "GSF 10 results: Melvin Manhoef finishes Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos in 46 seconds". mmafighting.com. 2014-04-28.
  9. ^ "Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos retires from MMA following quick loss to Melvin Manhoef". bloodyelbow.com. 2014-05-08. Archived from the original on 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
  10. ^ "MMA Fighter's Horrific Skull Injury Prompts Ex-Wife To Ask For Help (Graphic Images)". huffingtonpost.com. 2016-07-18.
  11. ^ "'Cyborg' Santos undergoes successful seven-hour surgery". mmafighting.com. 2016-07-28.
  12. ^ "Two years after career-ending injury, Evangelista Santos has no intentions to return to MMA". MMA Fighting. 12 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  13. ^ "Cyborg No More – Cristiane Santos And Evangelista Santos Divorced". CageJunkies.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-29. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
  14. ^ "12 Questions for Cris Cyborg Santos". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
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