We’ve got a namesake duel on tap for Saturday night, as women’s bantamweights Yana Santos and Luana Santos collide at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan inside the Meta APEX.
Yana Santos (17–8, 7–5 UFC) returns after a year away from the cage, looking to build on a three-fight winning streak capped by a unanimous-decision victory over Macy Chiasson at UFC 320 in October 2025. Luana Santos (11–2, 6–1 UFC) has also won three in a row, coming off a commanding decision over Karol Rosa in June.
Luana Santos enters as a considerable -290 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Yana Santos is a +235 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Yana Santos vs. Luana Santos Fight Preview
Yana Santos (#6)
- 17–8 (7–5 UFC)
- 7–3(T)KO
- 1–2 SUB
Yana Santos is back in action after a year-long layoff, and she returns with plenty of momentum. The Russian contender is riding a three-fight winning streak, scoring unanimous decisions over Chelsea Chandler, Miesha Tate, and, most recently, Macy Chiasson. “Foxy” is a formidable striker but has been vulnerable against strong grapplers, saddled with a 51 percent takedown defense. Now 36, she may struggle to keep things standing against high-level judoka Luana Santos.
Luana Santos (#7)
- 11–2 (6–1 UFC)
- 1–0 (T)KO
- 5–0 SUB
Luana Santos has quickly established herself as a serious title contender. At just 26, the Brazilian prospect has won six of her first seven UFC fights — including a three-fight surge since moving up to bantamweight in 2025. While not much of a threat on the feet, Santos holds a black belt in judo and will look to impose her explosive grappling from the opening bell. After submitting Tainara Lisboa in her 135-pound debut, she smothered Melissa Croden and Karol Rosa for a pair of one-sided decision wins.
Yana Santos vs. Luana Santos Pick, Best Bet
In a fight where at least one Santos will get her hand raised, Luana Santos should get the nod. She enters the clash with Yana Santos with a decade-long age advantage and a clear path to taking the fight to the mat early and often. The most likely outcome is Luana Santos staying undefeated at bantamweight with a third straight decision win. But her dangerous submission arsenal could come in handy against an opponent who struggles on the ground and got tapped out twice before reaching the UFC.
