Gleristone Santos has dominated the Brazilian circuit for years, and he’s excited to showcase his talent to the world against fellow Brazilian John Teixeira at Friday’s Bellator 143 in Hidalgo, Texas.
"I have waited for an opportunity like this for many years, and it’s finally my time," Santos told MMAFighting.com. "I have so much to show."
Known as "Toninho Furia", Santos makes his Bellator debut after leaving Brazilian Top Team to train with former Cage Rage champion Jean Silva in Paraiba. Winner of 17 of his past 18 fights, Santos credits BTT leader Murilo Bustamante for his evolution as a fighter.
"I moved back to Joao Pessoa to train with my first coach, Jean Silva, after training in Rio for six years," he said. "I left Brazilian Top Team for personal reasons. I didn’t have any problem with Murilo or anyone in the team. I’m really thankful for them making me the fighter I am today, but I had to move back here to stay close to my family. I’m happy here."
One of the best featherweights in Brazil, "Toninho Furia" expects a tough battle with Nova Uniao’s Teixeira on Sept. 25, but promises to be one step ahead the entire time.
"He trains in one of the best teams in the world, trains with Jose Aldo, and it’s going to be a great fight, no doubt. But I’m ready," he said. "I’m more complete, hungrier than him. This is my first opportunity fighting in a big promotion. He fought in the UFC, on The Ultimate Fighter, and twice for Bellator, so he can’t be hungrier than me. I will always be one step ahead, and I plan on dominating this division."
With "Macapa" Teixeira unbeaten in his last seven bouts, and being 2-0 under the Bellator banner, a win at Bellator 143 moves Santos one step closer to a shot at the featherweight gold.
"He’s coming off two wins in Bellator, so a win over him means a lot for me," Santos said. "He had a great fight with Fabricio Guerreiro, so the whole world will watch me after I defeat him. I have an aggressive style and that sells, that’s what fans want to watch. I was born with this gift, and I will have the opportunity to show it to the world.
"And I don’t think it goes past the second round," he added. "I will put some pressure, fight smart, and finish him in the second round."
The current Bellator 145-pound champion is Patricio Freire, who puts his title on the line in a trilogy bout with Daniel Straus in November. For "Toninho Furia", a win by "Pitbull" means more motivation to climb the rankings.
"He’s the only fighter to knock me out, and he’s the Bellator champion now. That’s good for me because I’m coming after him," said Santos, who lost to Freire in 2009. "We will fight soon or later, and fans will get to watch a great fight. I want to fight him again not for revenge, but because we’re at a higher level toady. It’s going to be a pretty exciting fight, for sure."