Taila Santos was once considered a top contender in the flyweight division, with many believing she had what it takes to dethrone the dominant champion, Valentina Shevchenko. In their first meeting at UFC 275, Santos pushed Shevchenko to the limit in a close split decision loss, leaving fans clamoring for a rematch. However, instead of another shot at the title, Santos found herself in a frustrating holding pattern, unable to secure a fight and left out of the UFC’s plans.
This turn of events has left many questioning the UFC’s treatment of Santos and whether there is a bias against her. Some have even gone as far as to suggest that UFC President Dana White is purposely keeping her out of the spotlight due to his personal feelings towards her. But is there any truth to these claims, or are they simply baseless rumors?
Santos’ journey in the UFC has been a rollercoaster ride. After making her debut in 2019, she quickly rose through the ranks with impressive wins over the likes of Molly McCann and Gillian Robertson. Her performance against Shevchenko solidified her status as a top contender in the division, and many believed she would be next in line for a title shot. However, things took a turn when she was sidelined with an injury and forced to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Roxanne Modafferi.
Since then, Santos has been unable to secure a fight, despite being healthy and ready to compete. This has led to speculation that the UFC is purposely keeping her on the sidelines, possibly due to her outspoken nature and willingness to speak out against the promotion. Some have even suggested that White is jealous of her success and is intentionally holding her back.
But these claims seem unfounded and lack any real evidence. While it’s true that Santos has been vocal about her frustrations with the UFC’s matchmaking and treatment of fighters, there is no reason to believe that this is the sole reason for her lack of fights. In fact, there are several other factors that could be contributing to her current situation.
One possible reason for Santos’ absence from the octagon could be the current state of the flyweight division. With Shevchenko dominating the division and no clear contenders emerging, the UFC may be hesitant to give Santos another shot at the title. They may be waiting for a more marketable or popular opponent to challenge Shevchenko, rather than giving Santos another chance so soon.
Another factor to consider is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted the UFC’s schedule and forced them to make last-minute changes to fight cards. This could explain why Santos has been unable to secure a fight, as the UFC may be prioritizing more established and well-known fighters for their limited events.
It’s also worth noting that Santos’ failed drug tests in 2019 may have damaged her reputation and made the UFC hesitant to give her high-profile fights. While she has since been cleared of any wrongdoing and has passed all subsequent tests, the stigma of a failed drug test may still be lingering.
Despite these challenges, Santos remains determined and focused on her goal of becoming a champion. In a recent interview, she stated, “I’m not going to stop until I get what I want, which is the belt.” Her determination and resilience are admirable, and it’s clear that she is not letting any setbacks hold her back.
In the end, it’s important to remember that the UFC is a business, and their decisions are often based on what will bring in the most revenue. While it’s understandable that fans want to see Santos get another shot at the title, the UFC may have other plans in mind. It’s also worth noting that the promotion has a history of giving fighters second chances, so it’s possible that Santos will get her opportunity in the future.
In conclusion, while there may be some truth to the claims that Santos is being held back by the UFC, there are also other factors at play. It’s unfair to solely blame White or the promotion for her current situation, and it’s important to consider all the factors before jumping to conclusions. Santos remains a top contender in the flyweight division, and it’s only a matter of time before she gets her chance to prove herself once again.
