Felipe dos Santos is not starting over but he is resetting. After a brief run on the UFC stage, he returns to familiar ground at LFA 229 with something to prove. Standing across from him is Jenilto Matos, a seasoned finisher who has built his career the hard way and is not here to play the supporting role.
Felipe dos Santos
Last 3 bouts
Win. Santiago Mina (submission)
Lose. Lone’er Kavanagh (decision)
Lose. Andre Lima (decision)
Fighting style
Well-rounded mixed martial artist with a balance of grappling and striking.
Strengths
Strong submission game
Solid fundamentals from a top camp
Good reach advantage for the division
Experience against higher-level competition
Weaknesses
Has struggled to consistently win decisions
Can be outpaced in high-volume fights
Still developing consistency at elite level
Keys to victory
Use range and technique to control exchanges
Mix grappling and striking to stay unpredictable
Avoid close, chaotic exchanges
Lean on experience against a more volatile opponent
Jenilto Matos
Last 3 bouts
Win. Lucas Rodrigues (TKO)
Lose. Giovanni Garcia (TKO)
Win. Gustavo Lopes. (TKO)
Fighting style
Grappling-focused fighter with strong submission instincts and improving striking.
Strengths
Elite submission threat (majority of wins by submission) (Tapology)
Dangerous in scrambles and transitions
Solid finishing ability both on ground and via TKO
Durable and experienced
Weaknesses
Striking is less technical than well-rounded opponents
Can be controlled by disciplined fighters
Has multiple losses against higher-level competition
Keys to victory
Close distance and initiate grappling exchanges
Create scrambles to find submission openings
Avoid prolonged striking battles at range
Use experience to disrupt dos Santos’ rhythm
Odds
Felipe dos Santos +1408
Jenilto Matos -600
