Marion Santos thinks UFC brass invested in his potential entering UFC 313

Marion Santos thinks the UFC is behind him to become a real player in the featherweight division, and it’s his primary goal to live up to those expectations.

After winning Season 32 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series, Santos (14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) starts his promotional tenure in earnest on Saturday when he meets Francis Marshall (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC 313, which goes down at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+).

At 24 and with nearly 60 percent of his fights won by knockout, Santos is a serious prospect. He knows the expectations that are being placed upon him, and is determined to live up to this with his next performance and beyond.

“I think the UFC sees the potential that I have to be a big fighter in the organization,” Santos told MMA Junkie Radio in a recent interview. “I want to prove that, so it’s going to be great.”

After winning all his fights in the “TUF” house, Santos shined in his opportunity to secure a UFC contract. He scored a second-round knockout of Kaan Ofli in August, and now draws Marshall as his next opponent.

Marshall has had his up-and-down moments in the UFC, but at 25, still has the foundation to do big things, as well. Santos knows it’s not going to be an easy fight, however, he thinks he has the tools to come out on top.

“He’s very tough and durable,” Santos said. “He has this grinding style and that’s what he has. I don’t see he’s a super great striker or a great wrestler, but he can push the limit and make guys tired. Then he does his work from there.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.