Thiago Marreta surprises and makes himself available to fight in the UFC this Saturday

Thiago Marreta signed with the PFL in 2022. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

At 41 years old and out of Ultimate since 2022, Thiago Marreta surprised the MMA world by raising his arms to volunteer to accept a fight on two days' notice. After social media user Kevin X announced that Junior Tafa and Tuco Tukkos would not face each other in UFC Des Moines This Saturday (3), the Brazilian applied to replace an athlete, if necessary.

“If you need a heavyweight to replace in the UFC Des Moines, I'm here and ready”, declared Marreta in response to the publication.

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Despite the attempt, the organization has already announced that the duel between Tafa and Tukkos will be postponed to another event, due to both being injured. On the other hand, UFC Des Moines still has a confrontation between Don'Tale Mayes x Thomas Petersen, which will take place in the division up to 120,2 kg, but which has not suffered any losses so far.

Thiago Marreta in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook UFC

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In a delicate phase in his MMA career, Marreta has not won a duel since 2021, when he beat his compatriot Johnny Walker in the unanimous decision of the judges. Former challenger for the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg), the fighter migrated to PFL after the end of his contract with UFC and was unsuccessful in the three appearances made in the decagon.

If need a Heavy Weight replacement for #UFCDesMoines I'm here ready

— Thiago “Marreta” Santos (@TMarretaMMA) April 30, 2025