Yana Santos Husband: Meet Thiago Santos, the Former UFC Title Challenger
UFC bantamweight fighter Yana Santos has returned to the spotlight following her impressive three-fight winning streak and continued pursuit of success in women’s mixed martial arts. The Russian fighter, previously known as Yana Kunitskaya, has earned important victories over Macy Chiasson, Miesha Tate and Chelsea Chandler. Away from the Octagon, she shares her life with husband Thiago Santos, a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC light heavyweight title challenger.
Their relationship has attracted attention because both understand the physical demands of professional fighting. From training together to raising their children in Florida, Yana and Thiago have built a family around their shared passion for martial arts.
Who Is Yana Santos’ Husband?
Yana Santos’ husband is Thiago Santos, a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist popularly known by his nickname, Marreta.
Born on January 7, 1984, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thiago developed a successful career in the UFC’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
He became particularly well known for his powerful striking and aggressive fighting style. One of his most memorable performances came against Jon Jones at UFC 239 in July 2019, when he challenged for the light heavyweight championship.
Although he lost by split decision, the contest established him as a respected title contender.
How Did Yana Santos and Thiago Santos Meet?
Yana and Thiago developed their relationship through their involvement in professional mixed martial arts.
They reportedly met while training at a gym and gradually became closer through their shared interest in fighting.
Their relationship became publicly visible in 2019, when photographs of the pair began appearing on social media.
Yana also supported Thiago during his recovery from serious knee injuries sustained in his fight against Jon Jones.
The difficult rehabilitation period brought them closer and strengthened their relationship.
When Did Yana Santos Marry Thiago Santos?
Yana and Thiago announced their engagement in December 2020.
Yana shared a photograph featuring her engagement ring and referenced Thiago’s nickname, Marreta, while celebrating the occasion.
The couple subsequently married in 2021, although they kept their wedding celebrations relatively private.
Following the marriage, Yana began competing professionally under the surname Santos instead of Kunitskaya.
Their relationship has remained an important part of their personal and professional lives.
How Many Children Do Yana Santos and Thiago Santos Have?
Yana Santos is a mother of two children.
She has a son, Adam, from a previous relationship and a daughter, Alise, with Thiago Santos.
Alise was born in April 2022, following the couple’s pregnancy announcement in August 2021.
Thiago also has a son from an earlier relationship.
Yana has spoken openly about balancing motherhood with professional fighting, particularly the challenge of returning to competition after pregnancy.
She continued training during her pregnancy and gradually resumed full-time preparations after welcoming her daughter.
Yana Santos’ Previous Marriage
Before marrying Thiago Santos, Yana was reportedly married to a man named Hani.
The couple met in Abu Dhabi and married in 2011 before moving to Saint Petersburg, Russia.
They welcomed their son Adam in 2013.
Their relationship eventually ended, with reports indicating that they divorced in 2016.
Yana subsequently focused on raising her son while continuing her martial arts career.
Her later relationship with Thiago introduced another chapter in her personal life.
Yana Santos and Thiago Santos’ Family Life
Yana and Thiago live in Florida, where they have trained at American Top Team.
Their daily routine involves professional training, family responsibilities and business activities.
Yana has described their lifestyle as relatively simple despite the demanding nature of their careers.
She has also expressed admiration for mothers who successfully balance parenting with professional ambitions.
Her relationship with Thiago provides an important support system, particularly because both understand the challenges of preparing for high-level competition while raising children.
Are Yana Santos and Thiago Santos Still Married?
Yes, Yana Santos and Thiago Santos remain publicly identified as a married couple.
Yana’s official UFC profile describes Thiago as her husband and discusses their family life in Florida.
The couple continue to share responsibilities as parents while maintaining their connections to mixed martial arts.
For readers searching for Yana Santos’ husband, Thiago Santos is the former UFC title challenger she married after developing a relationship through professional fighting. Together, they have built a family life centered on their children, training and shared sporting experiences.
