Thiago Santos ‘Disappointed and Embarrassed By My Performance’ at UFC on ESPN 17

Thiago Santos’ first Octagon appearance in 16 months didn’t go as planned.

Coming off a split-decision loss to former champion Jon Jones at UFC 239, “Marreta” carried high expectations into his matchup with Glover Teixeira at UFC on ESPN 17. And while Santos looked dangerous as ever on the feet, those moments were few and far between as he was overwhelmed on the canvas en route to a third-round submission loss at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Santos had an opportunity to jump right back into contention in a light heavyweight division no longer ruled by Jones, but instead it’s Teixeira who appears positioned for a future title shot after his fifth consecutive win.

Santos, who had to endure a lengthy rehabilitation process after undergoing surgery on both of his knees following the loss to Jones, expressed his disappointment in a social media post over the weekend.

“I’m totally disappointed and embarrassed by my performance, I didn’t do anything I trained, I choked, I wasn’t the fighter I am,” Santos wrote (translation via MMAFighting.com). “I apologize to my coaches and team and thank everyone for their effort, you’re great.

“Thank you all for always being by my side. I’m sorry for letting you down this time. Thank you God for absolutely everything in my life. I’m more than blessed and I don’t even know if I deserve so much, my faith in you is unshakable.”

The 36-year-old Rio de Janeiro native has competed at both light heavyweight and middleweight during his UFC tenure, compiling a 13-7 record and earning notable victories against the likes of Jan Blachowicz, Jimi Manuwa, Kevin Holland, Anthony Smith, Jack Hermansson and Nate Marquardt.

View this post on Instagram

Eu estou totalmente decepcionado e envergonhado com a minha performance, eu não fiz nada do que treinei, travei, não fui o lutador que sou. Peço desculpas aos meus treinadores e equipe e obrigado por todo empenho, vocês são demais, obrigado a todos que sempre estão ao meu lado, me desculpem por decepciona-los dessa vez.Obrigado Deus por absolutamente tudo em minha vida, sou mas do que abençoado e nem sei se mereço tanto, minha fé em ti é inabalável. . I'm so disappointed by myself, I didn't anything what I have trained, I wasn't there. I just wanna say sorry to my coaches, my family and everyone who support me. thank you God for everything in my life, I am so blessed, nothing can change my faith.

A post shared by Thiago "Marreta" Santos (@tmarretamma) on Nov 8, 2020 at 1:04pm PST