LAS VEGAS – Luana Santos has heard the chatter about her being a UFC fighter, and she wants to make one thing clear.
"People like to say that I'm just a pretty face," Santos said, "and that's not the case."
Santos believes she proved that yet again after defeating former women's featherweight title challenger Yana Santos by unanimous decision in their bantamweight bout Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 292 from the Meta APEX. The result pushed Luana Santos' winning streak to four fights, and in 2026 it marked her second win over a ranked contender following a unanimous decision over Karol Rosa in June.
"As you evolve and you hit other steps, the steps get harder to overcome," Santos told reporters, including MMA Junkie. "But I know this. I've been
training really hard and getting better all the time, and I think I'm up there in the top. All the names are there, but I think I'm the same level as them. I'm proving to people that I'm on the same level. ...
"I think the evolution has happened. This is not just one win against a veteran; we're talking about a couple quality wins. Karol was one of them. I'm showing to people that I'm that same level, that I'm able to control these veterans, and I think it just propels me further."
At 26, Santos, No. 4 in the official Meta UFC rankings, seemingly has hit her stride after winning two fights each in 2025 and in 2026. Looking ahead to 2027, she has aspirations of fighting for the UFC women's bantamweight title after Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes settle their business at UFC 334.
"I really wanted to get the finish to cement the position, say I'm the next contender, I'm next, I can do this. But now we wait," Santos said. "We know that we have the superfight coming up. I don't know about the retirement situation or what happens with that next fight. I do not want to cut the line. I'm not one to skip steps. I want to do this on merit. I think I've earned it, and I will wait. I think I'm up on top waiting for the next challenge, and I want to fight for the championship next year. I think we're on track to do that."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 123 winner Luana Santos says she's 'on track' to fight for title in 2027
