Middleweights Elias Theodorou (11-1 MMA) and Thiago “Marreta” Santos (12-3 MMA) kicked off the UFC Fight Night 80 main card.

Both fighters were happy to stand and trade in round one.

Elias Theodorou was able to land a variety of kicks on Santos in round one. The Canadian utilized excellent footwork to confuse his Brazilian opponent while peppering him with strikes.

Santos comes out swinging to begin round two. Thiago is being very aggressive and after landing a nice standing elbow he gets taken down by “The Spartan”. Santos gets back to his feet but Theodorou puts him up against the fence and begins to utilize the clinch. Eventually the ref had seen enough of the clinch game and separated the fighters. Santos is landing a lot of strikes every time Elias shoots in for a takedown. A late takedown by Santos but Theodorou gets to his feet and lands a takedown of his own right before the bell.

Both men trade kicks to begin round three. Theodorou gets inside and presses Santos against the fence. A big knee lands for Santos. The strike opens a huge cut over the right eye of “The Spartan”. Elias Theodorou is in trouble now and eating some big shots from Santos. Back to the clinch and it is Santos who is taking over. Big knees from the Brazilian. What a great fight. Both men showed tremendous heart and were trading right until the final bell.

Thiago Santos defeats Elias Theodorou via decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)