A professional competitor since 2007, Santos has formerly fought for Bellator MMA and was a finalist in their Season Five Heavyweight Tournament.
He fought in a one night tournament against Shamil Abdurahimov at IAFC - Mayor's Cup 2009 and won via unanimous decision.
[5] Santos faced Josh Burns at Bellator 53 in a bout to determine the Heavyweight Tournament reserve fighter.
He was to face Blagoi Ivanov in the semifinal of the tourney on October 29, 2011, at Bellator 56, after Mike Hayes was forced out of the tournament due to injury.
"[9] A week later at the Bellator 62 weigh-ins, Santos weighed in 12 pounds overweight for the rescheduled rematch and the bout was called off.
[10] As a result of Santos' inability to make weight, Prindle was announced as the Season Five Heavyweight Tournament Winner.
He faced Marcos Rogério de Lima in the preliminaries and despite the size advantage, he lost the fight via submission (guillotine choke) in the first round.