Mike “Little Bully” Santiago is a tenacious featherweight who fought his way from the regional circuit to the world’s biggest MMA stage, the UFC.
Known for his aggressive grappling and hard-nosed fighting style, Santiago gained national attention with a stunning knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series that earned him a UFC contract. While his time in the octagon was brief, his journey reflects the grit of a fighter who battled for every opportunity.
In this article, you will know Mike Santiago’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and life after the UFC.
Mike Santiago’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Santiago |
| Nickname | Little Bully |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1989 |
| Age | 36 |
| Hometown | Melrose Park, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Featherweight (145 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $200,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$80,000 – $100,000 (Estimated) |
| Partner | Mother of his children (Lana Mae & Leo) |
| Instagram Profile | @msantiagomma |
| Current Role | Coach / Trainer at Santiago Training Center |
Early Career
Mike Santiago’s road to professional fighting began in the tough regional circuits of the Midwest and East Coast.
Fighting out of Chicago, he built a reputation as a finisher, willing to take on anyone to prove his worth. He turned professional in 2010 and spent seven years grinding through promotions like Ring of Combat (ROC), Hoosier Fight Club, and XFO.
His breakout moments came in the Ring of Combat promotion, a well-known feeder league for the UFC based in New Jersey. Santiago became the Ring of Combat Featherweight Champion, showcasing a dangerous submission game and improved striking.
By 2017, he had amassed an impressive record and was riding a lengthy winning streak. This dominance earned him a shot at Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in August 2017. He seized the moment perfectly, knocking out Mark Cherico in the first round.
The performance was so decisive that UFC President Dana White awarded him a contract on the spot, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Professional Career
Santiago’s UFC career was a trial by fire. He made his promotional debut on short notice just weeks after his Contender Series win, stepping in to face the highly touted prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve in Rotterdam. Despite a valiant effort, he was submitted in the second round by the future contender.
He returned to the octagon in January 2018 to face Mads Burnell, engaging in a gritty contest that ended in a unanimous decision loss.
His final UFC appearance came at UFC 225 in his hometown of Chicago, where he faced Dan Ige. Santiago started strong but was overwhelmed by Ige’s power, losing via TKO in the first round.
Following his release from the UFC, Santiago didn’t hang up the gloves immediately. He returned to the winning column in 2019 under the Final Fight Championship (FFC) banner, defeating Alonzo Martinez via guillotine choke in the second round.
As of 2025, Santiago has transitioned into a coaching role, sharing his experience with the next generation of fighters at his own facility, the Santiago Training Center.
Mike Santiago’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Mike Santiago’s estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $200,000. His wealth primarily stems from his professional fighting career, supplemented by his current ventures in coaching and training.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Year | Estimated Payout | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Martinez | FFC 37 | 2019 | ~$5,000 – $10,000 | Win (Sub) |
| Dan Ige | UFC 225 | 2018 | ~$13,500 ($10k Show + $3.5k Reebok) | Loss (TKO) |
| Mads Burnell | UFC Fight Night 124 | 2018 | ~$13,500 ($10k Show + $3.5k Reebok) | Loss (UD) |
| Zabit Magomedsharipov | UFC Fight Night 115 | 2017 | ~$12,500 ($10k Show + $2.5k Reebok) | Loss (Sub) |
| Mark Cherico | DWCS Week 7 | 2017 | ~$10,000 ($5k Show + $5k Win) | Win (KO) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Activity | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 Fight (FFC) | ~$10,000 |
| 2018 | 2 Fights (UFC) | ~$27,000 |
| 2017 | 2 Fights (UFC/DWCS) | ~$22,500 |
| 2010-2016 | Regional Circuit | ~$30,000 (Cumulative) |
| Total | Career | ~$89,500+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Detail |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 22-12-0 |
| Wins by Submission | 11 |
| Wins by Knockout | 7 |
| Wins by Decision | 4 |
| UFC Record | 0-3 |
| Key Accomplishment | Ring of Combat Featherweight Champion |
FAQs
1. What is Mike Santiago’s nickname?
Mike Santiago’s nickname is “Little Bully.” He earned this moniker early in his career due to his aggressive fighting style and pressure-heavy grappling.
2. Is Mike Santiago still in the UFC?
No, Mike Santiago is no longer in the UFC. He was released from the promotion in 2018 after three consecutive losses to high-level opponents like Zabit Magomedsharipov and Dan Ige.
3. What is Mike Santiago doing now?
Mike Santiago is active as a coach and trainer. He runs the Santiago Training Center, where he teaches MMA, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu to aspiring fighters and fitness enthusiasts.
4. Who is Mike Santiago’s wife?
Mike Santiago keeps his partner’s name relatively private, but they share two children, a son named Leo and a daughter named Lana Mae (born in 2025).
5. Did Mike Santiago win on Dana White’s Contender Series?
Yes, he won his fight on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2017 by knocking out Mark Cherico in the first round, a performance that earned him an immediate UFC contract.
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