Taila Santos is one of the most dangerous strikers in the women’s flyweight division, known for her Muay Thai precision and physical strength.
After nearly capturing the UFC title in a razor-close fight against Valentina Shevchenko, she took her talents to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she reached the global championship finals.
In this article, you will know Taila Santos’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Taila Santos’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taila Santos |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Education | Local Education in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (Flyweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $500,000 – $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | Est. $750,000+ |
| Husband | Pedro Barbosa |
| Instagram Profile | @tailasantos.mma |
| Twitter Profile | @taila_santos |
Early Career
Taila Santos was born into the world of fighting in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. Her father was a Muay Thai coach, which allowed her to start training at a very young age. This early immersion in striking gave her a significant advantage over her peers.
She officially began her professional MMA career in 2013 and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the Brazilian regional scene.
Competing primarily in Aspera FC, Santos built an incredible undefeated record. She won her first 15 professional fights, often overwhelming opponents with her aggression and clinching ability.
This dominant streak in Brazil caught the attention of international scouts and eventually led her to Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018, where she secured her UFC contract with a unanimous decision victory.
Professional Career
Santos’s tenure in the UFC was marked by a steady climb to the top. After a loss in her debut, she rattled off four consecutive wins to earn a title shot against the dominant champion, Valentina Shevchenko, at UFC 275 in 2022.
Santos gave Shevchenko her toughest test in years, controlling large portions of the fight with grappling, though she ultimately lost a controversial split decision.
In 2024, Santos made a major career move by signing with the PFL. She flourished in the league’s season format, defeating Ilara Joanne and handing grappling ace Jena Bishop her first career loss.
In the semifinals, she secured a crucial victory over former champion Liz Carmouche to advance to the 2024 PFL World Championship.
Although she fell short in the finals against Dakota Ditcheva in November 2024 via TKO, her run to the championship cemented her status as one of the world’s elite flyweights.
Husband
Taila Santos is married to Pedro Barbosa (sometimes referred to in media as Pedro Saude). He is not just her partner in life but also a key part of her support system, often serving as one of her cornermen during fights.
The couple shares a daughter named Gloria. Their relationship has faced professional challenges; notably, in 2023, Pedro was denied a visa to enter the United States, which forced Santos to withdraw from a scheduled UFC main event because she refused to fight without him in her corner.
Taila Santos’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Taila Santos has an estimated net worth of approximately $500,000 to $800,000. Her transition to the PFL significantly boosted her earnings potential through their season structure, where she earned money for showing, winning, and reaching the million-dollar final.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event/League | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Ditcheva | PFL Championship (2024) | Loss | ~$100,000+ (Runner-up) |
| Liz Carmouche | PFL Playoffs (2024) | Win | ~$80,000 – $100,000 |
| Valentina Shevchenko | UFC 275 | Loss | ~$450,000 (inc. bonus) |
| Joanne Wood | UFC Fight Night | Win | ~$98,500 |
| Roxanne Modafferi | UFC 266 | Win | ~$44,500 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Organization | Estimated Income |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UFC | ~$150,000 |
| 2022 | UFC (Title Fight) | ~$450,000+ |
| 2023 | UFC | ~$50,000+ |
| 2024 | PFL (Season Finalist) | ~$300,000+ |
| 2025 | PFL | ~$100,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 22 Wins – 4 Losses |
| Knockouts (TKO/KO) | 10 |
| Submissions | 4 |
| Decisions | 8 |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Team Taila Santos / Astra Fight Team |
FAQs
1. Who is Taila Santos’ husband?
Her husband is Pedro Barbosa. He is deeply involved in her career and often serves as a cornerman for her fights. They have faced travel issues together, including visa denials that impacted her fight schedule.
2. Did Taila Santos win the PFL championship?
No, she reached the finals of the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship but lost to Dakota Ditcheva via TKO in the second round, finishing the season as the runner-up.
3. What is Taila Santos’ net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $800,000. This figure reflects her high-profile title fight in the UFC and her successful run to the PFL finals in 2024.
4. Why did Taila Santos leave the UFC?
After fulfilling her contract, Santos signed with the PFL in 2024. The move offered her the opportunity to compete for a $1 million seasonal prize, which is significantly higher than standard non-champion pay in the UFC.
5. How many children does Taila Santos have?
She has one daughter named Gloria. Santos frequently shares moments with her family, highlighting her role as a mother alongside her fighting career.
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