Thiago Santos: I Would Find Jiri Prochazka’s Chin and ‘Make It Look Easy’

While Thiago Santos’ prediction of a Glover Teixeira victory at UFC 275 didn’t come true, he gained even more respect for his fellow Brazilian in defeat.

Teixeira was ahead on the scorecards against Jiri Prochazka before succumbing to a rear-naked choke submission at the 4:32 mark of Round 5 this past Saturday at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singpaore.

"It was such a war,” Santos told Sherdog.com. “Glover was close to winning in a Rocky Balboa style as I predicted, but the last 30 seconds changed the result,” Santos told Sherdog.com “But I respect Glover more than ever. This guy is a monster, 42 years old fighting a 25-minute war against a strong guy like Prochazka. All my respect to Glover.”

It’s currently unclear who will get the first shot against Prochazka, but Santos believes Teixeira should get the nod over the likes of Jan Blachowicz, Anthony Smith or Magomed Ankalaev.

"The most correct [decision] would be an immediate rematch with Glover,” Santos said. “Because of Glover’s history and how the fight was going, I think the fans would love to see that again. But in case UFC [opts] for an all-European title fight, Jan is the other possibility. But as I always say styles makes fights. I think Prochaska would be the favorite against Jan.”

No matter how long Prochazka keeps the belt, Santos is interested in facing the Czech Republic native.

“Jiri would be a perfect fight for me,” he said. “We could see in that fight that Glover had many good moments in the striking, showing many holes on Jiri´s game. Definitely his [style] fits perfectly with mine. He exposed himself a lot. I have no doubt I would find his chin and make it look easy. I´m willing to face him.”

Of course, Santos has more pressing matters at hand. “Marreta” has begun his camp in preparation to face Jamahall Hill in the UFC on ESPN 40 main event on Aug. 6 in Las Vegas.

"My focus now is on my next opponent,” Santos said. “As I said, I like to fight aggressive guys like Hill and Prochazka. I truly hope he fights against me like he fought [Johnny] Walker and [Jimmy] Crute. I´m training hard to win this fight via KO or submission.”