If you love explosive knockouts and heart-pounding fights, you likely know the name “Marreta.” Thiago Santos is one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history, famous for pushing legends like Jon Jones to their absolute limit.
But beyond the cage, how much is this Brazilian powerhouse actually worth after years of main event battles?
In this article, you will know Thiago Santos’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Thiago Santos’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thiago Santos de Lima |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1984 |
| Age | 42 |
| Education | Trained in Capoeira, Muay Thai, BJJ (Black Belt) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $4 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | ~$550,000 (Recent PFL Purse) |
| Wife | Yana Santos (formerly Kunitskaya) |
| Instagram Profile | @tmarretamma |
| Twitter Profile | @TMarretaMMA |
Early Career
Thiago Santos didn’t start his life with dreams of being a fighter; he originally served as a paratrooper in the Brazilian Army. This military background instilled a discipline in him that would later define his fighting style.
He began training in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his native Rio de Janeiro, quickly realizing he had a natural gift for violence.
He made his professional MMA debut in October 2010. Like many Brazilian fighters, he fought on the local circuit, competing in promotions like Watch Out Combat Show and Spartan MMA.
His aggressive style earned him the nickname “Marreta,” which means “Sledgehammer” in Portuguese. He racked up an impressive record early on, winning 8 of his first 9 fights.
This success eventually caught the eye of the UFC, and he was cast on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2” in 2013, which served as his springboard to the big leagues.
Professional Career
Thiago Santos spent nearly a decade in the UFC, becoming a fan favorite for his willingness to brawl. He fought in the middleweight division before moving up to light heavyweight, where he found his greatest success.
His most famous moment came at UFC 239 in 2019, when he fought Jon Jones for the title. Despite tearing every ligament in his left knee early in the fight, Santos fought to a split decision, becoming the first man to win a scorecard against Jones in arguably the champion’s toughest test.
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After leaving the UFC in 2022, Santos signed a lucrative deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He cited better financial opportunities as the main reason for the switch. He competed in the PFL’s 2023 season and faced fellow veterans like Yoel Romero in high-profile bouts.
By mid-2025, Santos made another massive career move, signing with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), proving he is still eager to compete in combat sports well into his 40s.
Wife
Thiago Santos is half of an MMA power couple. He is married to fellow professional fighter Yana Santos (formerly Yana Kunitskaya). They got engaged in December 2020 and have been inseparable since, often training together at American Top Team.
The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Alise, in April 2022. Thiago also has a son from a previous relationship, and Yana has a son from her previous marriage as well.
They often share their family life on social media, showing a wholesome side that contrasts with their violent professions.
Thiago Santos’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Thiago Santos has an estimated net worth of $4 million. This wealth has been accumulated through over a decade of top-tier fighting, performance bonuses, and his recent high-paying contracts with the PFL and BKFC.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event/Year | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Yoel Romero | PFL vs. Bellator (2024) | $550,000 |
| Rob Wilkinson | PFL 1 (2023) | ~$500,000 |
| Jamahal Hill | UFC on ESPN 40 (2022) | ~$350,000 |
| Jon Jones | UFC 239 (2019) | $350,000 (disclosed) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings Status | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2026 | High | PFL & BKFC Contracts |
| 2019–2022 | High | UFC Main Events & Title Fight |
| 2013–2018 | Medium | UFC Mid-tier Contracts |
Endorsements
Santos supplements his fight income with sponsorships. Throughout his career, he has endorsed brands like Yamamoto Nutrition and various fight gear companies.
Since moving to leagues like the PFL and BKFC, which allow more sponsor freedom than the UFC, he has been able to display more personal sponsors on his shorts and banners, likely increasing this revenue stream.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record/Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 36 |
| Wins | 22 |
| Losses | 13 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Knockouts (Wins) | 15 |
| Submissions (Wins) | 1 |
| First Round Finishes | 9 |
FAQs
1. Is Thiago Santos still fighting in the UFC?
No, he is no longer with the UFC. He left the organization in 2022 to join the PFL, and in July 2025, it was announced he signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
2. Did Thiago Santos actually beat Jon Jones?
Officially, no. He lost via split decision at UFC 239. However, many fans and pundits believe he did enough to win, and he holds the distinction of being the first fighter to win a judge’s scorecard against Jones.
3. What does his nickname “Marreta” mean?
“Marreta” is Portuguese for “Sledgehammer.” He earned this nickname early in his career because of his brutal ground-and-pound style and the heavy power in his kicks and punches.
4. Who is Thiago Santos’ wife?
He is married to Yana Santos, a Russian MMA fighter who also competed in the UFC’s bantamweight division. They train together and often corner each other during their fights.
5. Why did Thiago Santos leave the UFC?
He left primarily for better pay. He stated publicly that the PFL offered him a contract that was “financially better” than what he was making in the UFC, along with the chance to fight for a $1 million tournament prize.
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