UFC 320 Controversy: Yana Santos Accuses Opponent of ‘Dirty’ Tactic After Weigh-In Miss

A significant controversy arose leading up to one of the bouts at UFC 320. The pay-per-view event on Saturday is set to feature a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC light heavyweight title, with Alex Pereira challenging Magomed Ankalaev. Much of the pre-fight attention has focused on the escalating animosity between Pereira and Ankalaev, particularly after Pereira accused his opponent of avoiding him at the UFC Performance Institute. However, another matchup at UFC 320 has generated its own intense disagreement.

Yana Santos Outraged by Macy Chiasson`s Weight Miss at UFC 320

Among the preliminary bouts leading up to the main event and the co-main event—Merab Dvalishvili`s title defense against Cory Sandhagen—is a women`s bantamweight clash between two top-10 contenders. Fifth-ranked Macy Chiasson, aiming to further her title aspirations in the 135-pound division following two consecutive victories, significantly jeopardized her prospects by missing weight by 1.5 pounds on Friday.

Her opponent, Yana Santos, expressed strong displeasure over the weight infraction. Santos publicly criticized Chiasson on social media, noting this marks Chiasson`s second weight miss in the UFC.

“Imagine signing a contract and showing up overweight AGAIN,” Santos posted on X. “Some of us respect the grind. Others disrespect the sport. See you Saturday.”

Adding to the controversy, Santos subsequently accused Chiasson of declining an offer for an additional hour to make weight, which led the Russian fighter to conclude that her opponent intentionally sought an unfair competitive edge.

“The worst part? The commission offered her an extra hour to make weight. She REFUSED,” Santos revealed.

“Why? Because she wants an unfair advantage. This isn’t just unprofessional—it’s straight-up dirty,” she asserted.

Thiago Santos Demands `Stronger Punishments` for Weight Misses After UFC 320 Incident

Yana Santos was not alone in voicing dissatisfaction following Chiasson’s weight indiscretion. Her husband, former UFC contender Thiago Santos, also took to social media to publicly criticize Chiasson for failing to meet the bantamweight limit.

Thiago Santos, known as ‘Marreta’ and a former UFC title challenger against Jon Jones six years prior, advocated for more severe penalties for fighters who miss weight.

“Unbelievable how some people are not professional in this sport,” Thiago posted on X. “It’s Yana’s 4th opponent that didn’t make the weight. Some stronger punishments have to be made,” he insisted.