Jon Jones
UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones intends to be the Floyd Mayweather Jr. of mixed martial arts. Jon Jones looks prior to a Light Heavyweight titlebout against Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden during the UFC 232 event inside The Forum on December 29, 2018 in Inglewood, California. Jones defeated Gustafsson by KO. Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey

Thiago Santos, virtually an unknown to some in the mixed martial arts world, made a name for himself when he stood up to Jon Jones back at UFC 239. He practically competed on one leg against the UFC light heavyweight champion but eventually lost via split decision. Regardless, his impressive performance has gained the nod of critics and the 35-year-old wants another crack at Jones once he is up and about.

Santos is eight-months away from being back in fighting shape as he continues to recover from double knee surgery. He tore ligaments in both knees during that July 6 fight. He recently underwent surgery after tearing the ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus in his left knee. The Brazilian also suffered a partial ligament tear in his right knee.

One can just imagine how Santos managed to last against someone like Jones in five rounds last July 6. And the crazier thing about it all is that he even threw leg strikes despite obviously fighting hurt. Now undergoing physical therapy in his road to recovery, he explained how he managed to stand up to Bones.

"Even on pain, I had to continue kicking," Santos said through a translator via TMZ Sports.

Now, he is hoping that after eight months (or so) he can get another crack at the UFC light heavyweight title. But if Jones' recent response to him is any indication, it looks like all Santos has to do is make sure he heals up first and get the necessary clearance for another match with Bones.

“Remember God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers. Life is all about perspective,” wrote Jones via Twitter. “Use this time wisely, I have no doubt you will. Handle this adversity with your head high, never know who you’re inspiring. God Speed.”

Without question, Santos was the underdog against Jones at UFC 239. However, Marreta certainly got attention for his performance even while in pain. Before that, the only time when Jones found himself in trouble was back in 2013 against Alexander Gustaffson, MMA Mania reported.

A rematch with Jones for Santos is possible, although there are some other things to consider. For sure, the 32-year-old will not wait that long and there is word that he plans to fight again in November in New York, possibly against Daniel Cormier. Assuming Jones is still the champion against whoever he fights by then, Santos is bound to go get that opportunity by 2020.

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