Hector Santiago credits Renato Moicano's event for UFC opportunity

Hector Santiago made his UFC debut with a knockout win at UFC Shanghai last Saturday, but his path to the promotion included a stop at an event created by another UFC fighter. Santiago became the first athlete to compete at Money Moicano MMA before eventually earning a UFC contract, and he believes his performance at the event played a role in helping him get noticed.

Hector Santiago Credits Money Moicano MMA

In May, Santiago competed at the inaugural Money Moicano MMA event, created by UFC lightweight Renato Moicano. The Brazilian delivered a convincing performance, defeating Paulo Nogueira with a first-round knockout and earning a performance bonus. Santiago believes that his outstanding performance at an event owned by a UFC fighter helped him secure his own UFC contract a few months later.

"I think fighting at Money Moicano MMA wasn't the main factor, but it was something that helped me sign with the UFC, because of the visibility Moicano has and the visibility the event gained as a result," Santiago told Ag Fight. "I had a good performance there, scored a beautiful knockout and won the bonus. I think it helped, yes. It wasn't the deciding factor, but it helped. I think a lot of credit goes to my manager and my coach, and I believe that was the main factor. But fighting at Moicano's event definitely helped a lot."

Santiago also made it clear that the opportunity at Money Moicano MMA was only one part of the work that led him to the UFC. While the visibility he gained from the event helped, the Brazilian believes his manager and coach played an even bigger role in putting him in position to earn a contract.

Hector Santiago Makes UFC Debut

Santiago entered the UFC riding a two-fight winning streak and having only one loss in his professional career. One of those victories came at Money Moicano MMA, where he earned the biggest win of his career at the time with a first-round knockout.

Last Saturday, the Brazilian made his promotional debut at UFC Shanghai and delivered another impressive performance, defeating Lawrence Lui by knockout in the second round. With the win, Santiago improved his professional MMA record to 7-1 and became the first fighter to compete at Money Moicano MMA and later make it to the UFC.

Santiago's journey from Moicano's inaugural event to the UFC has already produced two knockout victories. The Brazilian will now look to build on his successful debut as he continues his career in the promotion.