Daniel Santos Record: 14-3-0

UFC run

Santos opened his UFC tenure against tough competition. He dropped his promotional debut by decision to Julio Arce at UFC 273 in 2022, but rebounded in emphatic fashion later that year, knocking out the experienced John Castañeda with punches and a knee. He followed with a unanimous-decision win over Johnny Munoz Jr. in 2023, then returned after a layoff to outpoint Jeong Yeong Lee at UFC 315 in 2025 and stop the previously unbeaten Joo Sang Yoo by TKO at UFC 320. His most recent outing was a 2026 TKO loss to Doo Ho Choi.

Fighting style

Santos is one of the more creative strikers in the bantamweight division, a Muay Thai-rooted finisher who leans on spinning attacks, sharp counters, and unpredictable angles. His finish breakdown reflects that offense: of his 14 wins, seven have come by knockout and two by submission, with the rest by decision, a roughly 64% finish rate. His best work comes when he can let his strikes fly and turn a fight into a shootout, where his spinning kicks and elbows become genuine fight-enders. The honest counterpoint is consistency against grinders and pressure fighters; his decision losses and his lone knockout defeat show that disciplined, high-volume opponents can take him out of his rhythm.

Career highlights

• KO of John Castañeda — stopped a battle-tested UFC veteran with punches and a knee in 2022, his signature Octagon finish.
• Spinning-strike artist — built a regional and UFC reputation on spinning kicks, elbows, and other unorthodox finishes rarely seen at 135 pounds.
• Finished the unbeaten Joo Sang Yoo — handed a previously perfect prospect his first loss by TKO at UFC 320 in 2025.