Luana Santos did more than just smash records at UFC Vegas 106; she lit up the Octagon, danced through the APEX, and transformed a fight night into a full-fledged party. Her historic win wasn’t just a career milestone; it triggered a flood of viral moments, passionate shoutouts, and Instagram chaos. In the center of it all? A fighter on fire and Nina Drama, a content queen, both riding the wave of a night that refused to slow down, earning shoutouts from UFC legends along the way.
On Saturday night, the 25-year-old bantamweight fighter made history by executing a second-round keylock (Americana) submission against Tainara Lisboa, a move that had only been done eight times in UFC history and never by a woman. Even Michael Bisping questioned it as she transitioned. “I doubt she’s going to get that,” he added, just before the Brazilian surprised everyone by grabbing the Americana and sprinting away with her hands in the air.
When the emotions cooled, Santos turned up the fun, dancing in the cage, laughing, and owning the spotlight like a natural entertainer. That flair didn’t come out of nowhere. Luana Santos had spent the week backstage with influencer Nina Drama, filming TikTok videos and exchanging some really fun moments. Michael Bisping was quick to catch on and made the connection live.
“A little dance move after TikToking all week with Nina Drama,” he joked during the live event, giving the social media star a surprise shoutout that immediately lit up her social page. In fact, she reacted in all caps on her Instagram story, writing, “We just want to TikTok! Thank you for the shoutout, @mikebisping.” Backstage, the 25-year-old ran into Nina Marie Danielle and embraced her in a moment seen on Nina’s Instagram story with the caption, “So freakin proud of my girl! Congratulations.”
The biggest shoutout to the social media star came later, when the Brazilian stopped by Irv’s Burgers to celebrate her victory — and made sure to include Nina again. She showed fans a poster promoting Nina’s signature ‘Western Drama Burger.’ And moments later, Santos’ boyfriend and fellow MMA fighter Allan Begosso also joined in on the fun. “Let’s go Nina’s Burger. We’re celebrating Luana’s victory. Yes!” he said, holding out the burger that brought the fight week full circle.
Nina Marie Daniele attends California Strong Drive-In Movie viewing Major League Fundraiser at Calamigos Ranch, Malibu, CA on May 22, 2021
From keylocks to key collaborations, Luana Santos’ UFC Vegas 106 performance surely lit the social media world on fire. But now, her fans are surely waiting with bated breath to find out what’s next for the 25-year-old MMA star. So, is Santos going to take a break, or has she already set her sights on a new challenge?
Luana Santos reveals new challenge after UFC Vegas 106 win
There was barely a breath between Luana Santos’ post-fight dance and her next major announcement. While viewers were still watching replays of her historic Americana victory and enjoying the fun celebration clip, Santos was already setting the stage for what came next. The 25-year-old had barely stepped out of the APEX when she began preparing for UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
For Santos, it’s more than just another fight; it’s a potential turning point. Her return to bantamweight at UFC Vegas 106 was not only historical but also purposeful. After overcoming health challenges such as Hashimoto’s disease and the rigorous demands of the flyweight cut, Santos hinted that bantamweight could be her ticket to the top.
The division is thinner, the path much clearer, and she has the courage to stay — or so she believes. That doesn’t mean she’s committed yet, but her tone says it all: one more statement win at 135, and she’s ready to plant her flag.
Luana Santos is not shy about it either. “If I can fight at 135, why not take the shortcut?” She said, breaking down the logic behind rankings and possibilities. The 25-year-old continued, “If I have the strength and size to be at 135, why continue battling my body to cut to 125 if I’m only 25 and will definitely not be a flyweight in the future?”
She understands she isn’t just fighting for herself anymore; she is fighting with momentum, eyes on her, a viral fan base backing her, and a desire to make every second count. What do you think? What’s next for the young prospect? Let us know in the comments.
The post Luana Santos & Co. Pay Special Tribute to Nina Drama After Michael Bisping’s Shoutout During UFC Vegas 106 Live Commentary appeared first on EssentiallySports.
