Yana Santos Bio
Yana Kunitskaya Santos is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on November 11, 1989, in Murmansk, Russia, she has built a notable career since her debut in 2009, including holding the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship. Santos is recognized for her skills in Taekwondo and various martial arts disciplines.
Early Life and Background
Yana Santos was born in Murmansk, Murmansk Oblast, Russia. Her mother, Olga Kunitskaya, was a professional gymnast, and her father, Joseph, was a professional skier. She has a younger sister named Victoria. Santos began practicing martial arts early in childhood, starting with Taekwondo in preschool. At age 12, she started competing in hand-to-hand combat, and by 16, she moved to Saint Petersburg to study and joined the Lesgaft National State University Boxing team. She began training in mixed martial arts at 18.
Path to MMA
Santos made her professional MMA debut in 2009 at a K-1 World Grand Prix event in Poland, winning by technical knockout in the first round. Early in her career, she secured several notable wins, including a quick TKO over undefeated prospect Cindy Dandois. After a brief retirement announced in 2013 to focus on coaching, she returned to competition and signed with Invicta Fighting Championships, where she captured the Invicta FC Bantamweight title.
Yana Santos Career
Early Career (2009–2016)
Yana Santos began her professional MMA career in 2009, quickly establishing herself with multiple first-round technical knockout victories. She fought in various promotions across Europe, gaining experience and recognition. Her early career was marked by aggressive striking and rapid finishes, which helped her build a solid foundation in the sport.
In 2012, Santos announced a pregnancy and briefly retired from competition to focus on coaching. However, she returned to professional fighting in 2016, signing with Invicta FC, a key step toward competing at higher levels.
Invicta Fighting Championships Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Santos fought Tonya Evinger for the Invicta FC Bantamweight title in November 2016, initially winning the bout before it was overturned to a no contest. In a rematch in March 2017, she lost by submission. Later that year, Santos defeated Raquel Pa’aluhi to claim the vacant Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship, solidifying her status as a top contender in women’s MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2018–Present)
Yana Santos made her UFC debut in March 2018 against Cris Cyborg for the featherweight title but lost by technical knockout in the first round. She rebounded with unanimous decision victories over Lina Länsberg and Marion Reneau. Santos has competed primarily in the bantamweight division, facing top contenders such as Aspen Ladd, Ketlen Vieira, and Irene Aldana. She has demonstrated resilience and skill, earning several unanimous decision wins and continuing to be a ranked fighter in the UFC bantamweight division.
In recent years, Santos has fought notable opponents including Holly Holm, Karol Rosa, and Miesha Tate, with mixed results. She remains active and competitive, training with Jackson Wink MMA and American Top Team. Santos is known for her well-rounded fighting style and tactical approach inside the octagon.
Driving Style and Strengths
Santos combines striking skills honed from her Taekwondo black belt background with effective grappling and submission techniques. She is known for her versatility and strategic fight management, adapting well to different opponents. Her reach and striking precision contribute to her success in both bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Santos’s career include winning the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship and competing for the UFC featherweight title. Her UFC debut against Cris Cyborg was a high-profile event, and she has maintained a presence in the top ranks of women’s bantamweight fighters. Santos’s return from retirement and sustained competitiveness highlight her dedication to MMA.
Yana Santos Career Wins
Yana Santos has accumulated 17 professional wins out of 26 fights, showcasing a balanced record with victories by knockout, submission, and decision. Her career includes significant wins in Invicta FC and the UFC, demonstrating her ability to compete at elite levels.
Invicta FC Highlights
Santos secured the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship with a victory over Raquel Pa’aluhi in 2017. Her performances in Invicta FC established her as a formidable bantamweight competitor and paved the way for her UFC career.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Santos has earned multiple unanimous decision wins against top contenders such as Lina Länsberg, Marion Reneau, Ketlen Vieira, and Miesha Tate. Her UFC debut for the featherweight title against Cris Cyborg, despite a loss, was a significant career moment. She continues to be ranked among the top bantamweight fighters.
Yana Santos Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Yana Santos comes from an athletic family with her mother being a professional gymnast and her father a professional skier. This sporting environment contributed to her early involvement in martial arts and competitive sports.
Personal Life
Santos is married to Thiago Santos, a former UFC and current Professional Fighters League fighter. The couple became engaged in December 2020 and announced expecting their first child together in August 2021. Yana also has a son from a previous relationship. She resides in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and balances her professional fighting career with family life.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Yana Santos continued to compete actively in the UFC bantamweight division. She secured unanimous decision victories over Miesha Tate in May and Macy Chiasson in October, both fights proceeding at catchweight due to opponents missing weight. These wins have reinforced her position in the top five of the division. Santos’s consistent performance and experience make her a key contender in the 2025 season, with prospects for further success in upcoming bouts.