Thiago Santos Steps in as Marreta Replaces Usman in Gamebred FC Heavyweight Tournament

Miami, FL – April 2, 2024 – A significant alteration has been made to the highly anticipated Gamebred FC card scheduled for April 10, impacting the launch of its inaugural $500,000 heavyweight tournament. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight title challenger, Thiago "Marreta" Santos, has been confirmed as the replacement for Mohammed Usman, who has been withdrawn from the competition due to undisclosed reasons. Santos is now slated to face Guto Inocente in one of the opening-round matchups for the ambitious 16-man, no-gloves mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament.

The news, officially confirmed by promotion officials to MMA Fighting on Tuesday, injects a new level of intrigue into the burgeoning bare-knuckle MMA scene spearheaded by UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred FC. Mohammed Usman’s departure follows his recent release from the UFC, a decision that coincided with an 18-month suspension for violating the organization’s anti-doping policy. While the specific reasons for his withdrawal from the Gamebred FC event remain formally undisclosed by the promotion, the timing suggests a potential connection to his recent anti-doping infraction. Usman, the younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, had previously secured victory in The Ultimate Fighter 30 heavyweight finale in August 2022, defeating Zac Pauga. His UFC tenure saw him compile a professional record of 11 wins and 3 losses, though his path was cut short after the anti-doping violation.

Thiago Santos, a formidable and explosive striker known for his aggressive style, brings a wealth of experience and a high-profile name to the Gamebred FC heavyweight division. This marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he prepares for his first competitive bout since August 2023, when he faced Denis Goltsov under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner. Santos’s career trajectory has been one of both spectacular highs and challenging lows, making his entry into the unique Gamebred FC format a compelling narrative.

Santos’s professional journey began in 2010, rapidly building a reputation as a dangerous knockout artist. His entrance into the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2 in 2013 launched him onto the global stage. Primarily competing in the middleweight division, Santos showcased devastating power, securing notable victories over opponents such as Elias Theodorou, Jack Hermansson, and Anthony Smith. His striking prowess, rooted in Muay Thai, was characterized by thunderous kicks and powerful punches, earning him multiple performance bonuses and a loyal fanbase.

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The defining chapter of Santos’s career, however, came with his move to the light heavyweight division in 2018. The transition proved immensely successful, as he quickly ascended the ranks with three consecutive finishes against Eryk Anders, Jimi Manuwa, and a highlight-reel knockout of former champion Jan Blachowicz. These victories propelled him into an undisputed title shot against arguably the greatest light heavyweight of all time, Jon Jones, at UFC 239 in July 2019.

The championship bout against Jones remains one of the most memorable and controversial contests in UFC history. Despite tearing ligaments in both knees—an ACL, MCL, and PCL in his left knee, and an ACL in his right knee—early in the fight, Santos pushed Jones to a razor-thin split decision. Many observers and analysts scored the fight for Santos, highlighting his incredible resilience and the damage he inflicted on the reigning champion. While he ultimately lost the decision, the performance cemented his status as an elite fighter capable of challenging the sport’s very best.

The aftermath of the Jones fight, however, proved to be a significant turning point. The severe knee injuries required extensive rehabilitation, sidelining Santos for over a year. Upon his return, he struggled to regain his previous form and momentum. Over his next nine professional bouts, including his stint in the PFL, Santos compiled a challenging record of one win, seven losses, and one no-contest. His lone victory during this period came against Johnny Walker in October 2021. He faced a string of high-caliber opponents including Glover Teixeira, Aleksandar Rakić, Magomed Ankalaev, and Jamahal Hill in the UFC, often displaying flashes of his former power but unable to consistently secure victories. His move to the PFL in 2023 saw him suffer defeats to Rob Wilkinson and Denis Goltsov, concluding a difficult chapter in his career.

Now, at 40 years old, Thiago Santos embarks on a new challenge, stepping into the heavyweight division and embracing the raw, unadulterated format of no-gloves MMA. This move represents a significant stylistic and physical adjustment, requiring him to adapt his renowned striking to the unique demands of bare-knuckle combat and contend with the larger physiques of natural heavyweights. His opponent, Guto Inocente, presents a formidable first test. Inocente is a seasoned veteran with a diverse background in both kickboxing and MMA. Hailing from Brazil, Inocente boasts a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 4 losses, with significant experience in promotions like Bellator and Legacy FC. He is perhaps best known for his successful kickboxing career in GLORY, where he achieved notable victories and showcased his powerful striking abilities. Inocente’s transition to MMA has seen him leverage his kickboxing pedigree, making him a dangerous stand-up fighter with a strong defensive game.

The Gamebred FC heavyweight tournament itself is a groundbreaking initiative by Jorge Masvidal, aiming to provide a platform for fighters to compete in a more primal form of MMA, without the padding of traditional gloves. The allure of a $500,000 grand prize has attracted a diverse roster of combatants, including other high-profile UFC veterans. Alongside Santos and Inocente, the tournament’s opening round will feature another compelling matchup: former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith, who is coming out of a brief retirement, facing off against heavyweight veteran Chase Sherman. This underscores the caliber of talent Masvidal has assembled, promising a highly competitive and unpredictable tournament.

The decision by Santos to enter this tournament signifies a bold career pivot, a testament to his enduring fighting spirit and a desire to prove himself in a new environment. Moving up to heavyweight, particularly without gloves, will test his power, chin, and durability against larger adversaries. The "Marreta" nickname, meaning "Sledgehammer," perfectly encapsulates his fighting philosophy, and the bare-knuckle format could potentially amplify the impact of his heavy hands. However, it also exposes him to greater risk, as the lack of padding increases the likelihood of cuts and hand injuries.

The event is set to take place in the Dominican Republic, adding an international flair to the burgeoning promotion. For fans unable to attend in person, the entire card will be broadcast live and free of charge on Jorge Masvidal’s official YouTube channel, making the unique spectacle accessible to a global audience. The replacement of Mohammed Usman with Thiago Santos not only maintains the star power of the tournament but arguably elevates it, offering a compelling redemption arc for a fighter who once stood on the precipice of UFC gold. As Santos prepares to "right the ship" in this new chapter, all eyes will be on the Dominican Republic for what promises to be an explosive night of no-gloves heavyweight action.

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