The other combatants are Yuki Sasaki (21-13-1) and Falaniko "Niko" Vitale (24-7). The winner of the tournament will have to get through two matches, with each bout consisting of two five-minute rounds.

A random draw to determine the match-ups will take place during the weigh-in, and although Santiago recognizes Prangley's skills, he isn't afraid to face him in the tournament.

"Trevor Prangley says he is one of the best 185-pound fighters in the world and I agree with him, but everyone has his day."

A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Santiago is a threat on the mat but he's also able to Strike with the best - as he proved in his Bodog Fight debut last April in St. Petersburg, when he knocked out the hard-hitting Andrei Semenov with a vicious uppercut. The blow stunned the Russian so badly, he mistakenly attempted to tackle the referee before he could regain his bearings.

"I was almost out of that fight when he mounted me in the first round," recalls Santiago. "But I survived and caught him with that punch in the second. It felt great to beat him on his home turf, with the Russian crowd cheering against me."

Santiago is likely to face another hostile crowd in San Jose, where Prangley trains with the American Kickboxing Academy.

"I'm used to being the underdog," replies the American Top Team fighter. "It doesn't bother me, 'cause I don't feel any pressure. The pressure will be all on him."

What about the possibility of fatigue with two fights in one night?

"I've been training hard for this event," says Santiago. "I've been working with a conditioning coach and I am ready to go the distance."

So, is he picking himself to win?

"Of course," he laughs. "All the fighters are tough, but I think you will see something very unexpected from me. Ultimately, though, it's in God's hands."

About Bodog Fight

Since its inception in 2006, Bodog Fight has become one of the heavy-hitters in the world of mixed martial arts. Created by billionaire entertainment mogul and longtime MMA enthusiast, Calvin Ayre, Bodog Television's Bodog Fight series offers viewers a unique combination of action and allure from exotic locations throughout the world. Bodog Fight can be viewed online at bodoglife.net, along with other Bodog Television programs including: a poker lifestyle and reality show, Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker , and an international million-dollar band search competition, Bodog Battle .

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
Title:
BBCode:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved

---