Former UFC title challenger joins $500k Masvidal event

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 2:04 PM ET

Thiago Santos is stepping in to replace Mohammed Usman at Jorge Masvidal’s next event.

Usman had already been released by the UFC earlier in the month after receiving a 30-month suspension for breaching the promotion’s anti-doping policy.

With continued criticism over the state of the heavyweight division, one of its recent departures was quickly picked up elsewhere, although that opportunity has now fallen through.

Masvidal’s Gamebred FC is gearing up for its biggest show yet on April 11, featuring a 16-man bare-knuckle MMA tournament with a $500,000 prize pool.

The promotion has announced that a former UFC title challenger will be stepping in to fill Usman’s spot on the card.

Thiago Santos steps in for Mohammed Usman to face Guto Innocente

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

With Anthony Smith coming out of retirement to join the event, the card now features two fighters who have challenged Jon Jones for a title.

Santos lost a close split decision to Jones in 2019 and followed that with a three-fight losing streak. He will now debut in Gamebred FC by stepping in for Usman on April 11.

The opening-round matchups will take place in the Dominican Republic and be streamed live on Masvidal’s YouTube channel, where Santos is scheduled to face fellow Brazilian and former UFC fighter Guto Inocente.

Inocente had two fights under the UFC banner back in 2014, including a knockout loss to Derrick Lewis, before showcasing his striking skills in organisations like GLORY and ONE Championship.

MMA Fighting noted that there hasn’t been any official reason given for Usman’s removal from the card yet.

What has Thiago Santos done since parting ways with the UFC?

After two consecutive defeats in 2022, Thiago Santos wrapped up his UFC career with a record of 14-10.

He then joined the PFL, where he fought three times but didn’t pick up a win during his time there.

Santos hasn’t fought since his last PFL appearance in June 2024. He was supposed to make his debut with the GFL last year, but the promotion’s early events were cancelled before that could happen.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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