Yana Santos Husband: Who Is Thiago Santos? Inside Their Marriage and Family Life

UFC bantamweight contender Yana Santos is back in the spotlight as she prepares to return to competition following surgery on both elbows. The Russian mixed martial artist, who has won three consecutive fights, recently opened up about her recovery and determination to challenge the division’s leading contenders. Away from the Octagon, she shares her life with her husband, Brazilian MMA veteran Thiago Santos, who understands the physical and emotional demands of professional fighting.

Yana and Thiago are among the better-known couples in mixed martial arts. Their relationship has brought together two experienced fighters who have supported each other through demanding training schedules, career changes and parenthood.

Who Is Yana Santos’ Husband Thiago Santos?

Yana Santos’ husband is Thiago Santos, a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former UFC light heavyweight title challenger.

Born on January 7, 1984, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thiago became widely recognized for his powerful striking and aggressive fighting style.

Nicknamed Marreta, meaning sledgehammer in Portuguese, he competed against several prominent UFC fighters, including Jon Jones, Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill.

Thiago spent nearly a decade competing in the UFC before joining the Professional Fighters League in 2023.

His experience as a professional fighter has helped him understand the challenges Yana faces while competing at the highest level.

When Did Yana Santos and Thiago Santos Get Married?

Yana Santos, previously known as Yana Kunitskaya, began dating Thiago Santos before their engagement in 2020.

Their relationship developed through their shared involvement in mixed martial arts.

The couple subsequently married, although the exact wedding date has not been widely documented.

Yana began competing under the Santos surname in 2021, reflecting her marriage to the Brazilian fighter.

Both have spoken positively about having a partner who understands the demanding lifestyle of professional athletes.

How Many Children Do Yana and Thiago Santos Have?

Yana and Thiago welcomed their daughter, Alise Santos, in April 2022.

Alise is their first child together, although both fighters have children from previous relationships.

Yana also has an older son, Adam, making her a mother of two.

Following Alise’s arrival, Yana discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her professional fighting career.

She explained that maintaining a consistent training routine while caring for her children required careful planning and support from her husband.

Their family responsibilities remain an important part of life outside the Octagon.

How Has Thiago Santos Supported Yana’s UFC Career?

Thiago has played a supportive role throughout Yana’s professional career.

As an experienced fighter himself, he understands the importance of training camps, recovery periods and mental preparation.

Yana previously explained that the couple works together to make their training schedules manageable.

Following the birth of their daughter, she returned to competition while continuing to prioritize family life.

Their shared experience in MMA has allowed them to approach professional challenges with an understanding of each other’s responsibilities.

Yana Santos’ UFC Comeback After Elbow Surgery

Yana Santos returned to the headlines in October 2026 after discussing her recovery from surgery on both elbows.

The fighter revealed that she had competed through significant pain during her previous three victories.

She defeated Chelsea Chandler in August 2024, former UFC champion Miesha Tate in May 2025 and Macy Chiasson in October 2025.

Despite those victories, bone fragments in her elbows eventually made everyday activities difficult.

Santos underwent surgery and spent approximately a year recovering before preparing for her return against Luana Santos.

Her recovery has given her renewed confidence, with the fighter believing she can compete more effectively now that she is no longer dealing with persistent elbow pain.

Thiago Santos’ Career and Fight Against Jon Jones

Thiago Santos established himself as a dangerous knockout artist during his UFC career.

One of his most memorable appearances came at UFC 239 in July 2019, when he challenged Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship.

Although Thiago lost by split decision, his performance attracted considerable praise, particularly because he fought through serious knee injuries.

He later faced several leading contenders before leaving the UFC in 2022.

His move to the Professional Fighters League offered a new chapter after years competing against elite opponents.

Are Yana Santos and Thiago Santos Still Married?

Yana Santos and Thiago Santos remain publicly identified as husband and wife, with no verified announcement of a separation.

Their relationship combines professional fighting, family responsibilities and raising their children.

While Yana continues pursuing success in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division, Thiago’s experience remains an important part of their shared sporting background.

For readers searching for Yana Santos’ husband, Thiago Santos is the Brazilian MMA veteran she married after their engagement in 2020. Their relationship reflects the challenges and rewards of building a family while both partners pursue demanding careers in combat sports.