Cigano, otherwise known as Junior dos Santos is a well-recognised Brazilian professional mixed martial artist (MMA). Who has had plentiful success in the heavy-duty zone of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Dos Santos is considered one of the best to ever compete at Heavyweight. Boasting a powerful striking game and aggressive style. A man who has competed for numerous organizations in MMA, some with a bit more success than others. But all on the big stages which is why he is known worldwide by fans. Know More about his Life, Career, Records & Latest News.
Early life and background
Junior dos Santos was born on the 30th of January, 1984 in Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He faced many trials and tribulations during his younger days. The nickname “Cigano” is the Portuguese word for grim and was given to him because of his long locks of hair. When he first began training jiu-jitsu, which gave him a grim-like appearance. Dos Santos was active in combat sports early on and trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) before working towards a career in mixed martial arts.
Despite starting his professional MMA career in 2006 following only a couple of years of training. Dos Santos dominated fighters with more experience everywhere he fought. Although he grew up doing jiu-jitsu, his raw knockout ability and stand-up fighting became his signature.
UFC career and notable accomplishments
Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos made his UFC debut in 2008 against veteran Fabricio Werdum. He strung together a thrilling first-round KO win, turning himself into one of the sport’s fastest-rising commodities. In the years to follow he only continued his career growth by fighting some of the known big names in the heavyweight division.
The signature moment of his career will always be when dos Santos challenged Cain Velasquez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2011. The fight aired live on network television and dos Santos made history by knocking out Velasquez in the very first round to claim the UFC Heavyweight Title. His rule was short but it installed his reputation as one of the most lethal heavyweights in MMA history.
Records and Fights:
UFC Heavyweight Champion:
Junior dos Santos held the UFC heavyweight title after defeating Cain Velasquez in the year 2011.
Victory over stipe Miocic:
In 2014 dos Santos scored a unanimous decision win over Miocic. Another mountain of a man who would go on to become one of the best UFC heavyweight champions.
Fighter of the Night:
Dos Santos is a multiple Fight of the Night award winner, displaying an entertaining fighting style.
But dos Santos was standing in the way of a few legends. And he had even more epic clashes with Cain Velasquez to come. The two fought three times, with dos Santos winning the first fight and Velasquez taking the next two. And no one will ever forget just how hard their wars were in the long history of the heavyweight championship.
Current status and recent fights
The last few years of Junior dos Santos’ career in the UFC were not exactly smooth sailing. After victories over the likes of Derrick Lewis in a clear case of MMA math. He dropped four straight near the end of his UFC run. After all, Dos Santos fell to several young up-and-comers including Ciryl Gane and Curtis Blaydes en route to his UFC departure in 2020.
Dos Santos moved on to a new venture in combat sports in 2022. LaMotta entered boxing and hybrid-rules bouts, authored by the promotional organization Triller. Dos Santos hasn’t retired from MMA competition, although he has pursued other combat sports and is still training.
Biography /Wife/ Life information
Junior dos Santos is well known for his humility and down-to-earth approach outside the octagon. He was in a relationship with Vilsana Picolli, whom he married before their. Together, they have a son in common whom dos Santos is very fond of. Although the two parted ways, dos Santos has always had respect for his former man.
During recent interviews, dos Santos has talked about how his son has changed his life and specifically the way he plans to work post-UFC. Family has always been a huge part of who he is, and though his private life may have its peaks and valleys, dos Santos remains a father first.
Legacy and impact on MMA
Santos will go down as an MMA star whose career has been an inspiration to many fighters from all over the world. He is widely considered one of the most durable Heavyweights in UFC history and his monstrous hands. But it wasn’t only his victories that defined him; he was a symbol of effort and class in a sport that didn’t often have either.
While his UFC career may be finished, dos Santos is still involved in the fight game and looking for new opportunities. Hopefully, “Cigano” appears soon once again either in the octagon or within other disciplines of combat sports to continue bringing joy to his fans.
Latest news and developments
Junior dos Santos is still being trained and fighting on smaller promotions after 2024. Yet there have been no publicized plans for any big fights forthcoming. He has mentioned that he would like to move more into boxing and potentially pro wrestling. His name continues to be attached to multiple organizations within MMA outside of the UFC, where they still view him with respect as well.
Dos Santos may be past his MMA prime, but the longtime heavyweight has expressed an interest in sharing his knowledge with younger fighters and giving back to the sport through coaching. He has lots of options in fighting and people want to see what’s next.
Conclusion
Dos Santos is still a hero in the sport of mixed martial arts, a one-time UFC heavyweight champion and an example to all fighters coming up. His career is a true testament to what hard work, dedication and passion for combat sports can achieve. While his legacy may simply be written in ink, as he moves on to other chapters of his combat journey-events that take the pen will continue scratching away.
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