Santiago wants to continue fighting in Japan. Photo: Susumu Nagao
Jorge Santiago didn’t mess around when he got revenge against Mamed Khalidov. In the bout held at the latest edition of Sengoku for the middleweight belt, he won by unanimous decision.
“I knew the guy the first time and accepted the fight on short notice. This time knew very well how he was trained and I fought the way I was supposed to. I knew I’d be fighting a really tough guy I trained hard to fight him, was very focused. Even more so since the belt was at stake. So, I had to be 100% and win all the rounds not to allow room for bad luck. He’s a tough fighter and really deserved a shot at the title. But everything went alright for me, thank God,” he told GRACIEMAG.com.
About the future, opportunities may arise in other organizations. Strikeforce event and the new Japanese event Astra, a partnership between Dream and Sengoku, are not to be overlooked. Even the UFC, although less likely, is possible.
“I’m committed to defending the belt. Any fight beyond that, though, is not in my contract. So I’m ready for whatever comes up. Some negotiations are going on, but nothing is set in stone. I’ve talked to big events and we’ll see what happens,” says.
“I like being in Japan, and the Japanese public is. I have no plans leave, but I would also like to fight in the United States, the country where I live. The right contract, well-elaborated, and I may return. All it takes is inking a good deal. It can happen, but it doesn’t happen overnight,” continues Santiago, sending a message:
“I’d like to send my best to the guys who came with me and thank them for their trust in me, believing I could do it. I also thank the whole American Top Team,” he concludes.