The 10 biggest busts in UFC history

#6: Jorge Santiago

Jorge Santiago couldn't turn success outside the UFC into anything good inside it

After a brief UFC run in 2006 that saw him go 1-2 before he was released, Brazilian Jorge Santiago went on an absolute tear on the smaller circuit, winning 11 of 12 fights, including avenging his single loss during that period.

And he wasn’t fighting nobodies either – most of his victims were legit UFC veterans like Jeremy Horn, Sean Salmon and Kazuhiro Nakamura.

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When the Japanese MMA scene largely crashed in 2011, it was a no-brainer that Santiago would be brought back into the UFC, and sure enough he was signed to fight Brian Stann – at the time a rising star at 185lbs – at UFC 130.

Most were picking the well-rounded Brazilian over the less experienced Stann, but Santiago’s chin couldn’t hold up to Stann’s power and he went down in the second round.

A second UFC loss to Demian Maia signalled his release, but two wins outside the UFC brought him back – only for him to lose to prospect Gunnar Nelson in a fight largely contested on the feet.

Why was Santiago a bust? Basically he didn’t have a good enough chin to withstand the harder hitters he was faced with in the UFC compared to his opponents elsewhere, which was sad really. He’s gone on to big success as a coach though, so there is that.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Pratyay Ghosh