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Thiago Santos explains why the UFC’s ‘fake rankings’ are a ‘lie’

BELEM, Brazil — Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith might be two of the best unranked fighters right now in the middleweight division, but one of them no longer cares about rankings.

“Marreta” and “Lionheart” are both coming off three knockout victories in the Octagon and will look for a fourth straight win when they collide at UFC Belem on Feb. 3. Smith isn’t the big name Santos was hoping for — Santos called out Derek Brunson following his most recent win in October — but regardless, he’s happy with the matchup.

”I don’t choose opponents, but I always want to fight someone in a good position in the UFC, since I’m coming off three knockouts,” Santos told MMA Fighting.