Thiago Santos: If I don't knock out Jamahal Hill, he will be punished for five rounds

Thiago Santos is an underdog against Jamahal Hill in the UFC on ESPN 40 main event, but the odds don’t bother the Brazilian at all.

“Facing scary guys like him really motivates me,’ Santos told Sherdog.com. “Hill is a tall guy, very aggressive and walks forward all the time. [Jiri] Prochazka, Hill, those are exactly the type of opponents I like to face. I truly hope he fights against me like he fought [Johnny] Walker and [Jimmy] Crute. If I don’t knock him out by the second round, he will be punished for five rounds.”

According to “Marreta,” the strategy that worked for Hill against Walker won’t work against him. Hill defeated Walker by first-round knockout in the UFC Fight Night 201 main event on Feb. 19.

"Walker was fighting well but was surprised when Hill changed his southpaw stance to orthodox and ended up being caught,” Santos said. “That’s not my case. I also fight in both stances. If he changes stances, it is no surprise to me. In that chess match, I see myself having the advantage in all areas — better striking, heavier puncher, better in wrestling, jiu-jitsu and also more experienced.

“Of course, this is MMA. Hill is a very talented kid with knockout power and deserves all my respect, but I truly see myself winning this one via knockout or submission.”