Tarsis Santana wins Brazilian Lightweight belt

Who is Tarsis Santana and how did he win the belt?

Tarsis "Tarzan" Santana, a 23-year-old boxer from the interior of Bahia who now lives and trains in Balneário Camboriú, defeated Eduardo da Cruz by technical knockout in the ninth round to claim the CNB (Conselho Nacional de Boxe) Brazilian Lightweight title at FMS Fight Night 11.

Where and when did the fight take place?

The event was held on Saturday, July 25, at the Centro de Eventos in Ponta Grossa, Paraná. The card featured ten bouts — four in the MMA cage and six in the boxing ring — making it a mixed-format night of combat sports.

How did the fight unfold?

Both fighters opened cautiously, studying each other's movements and looking for openings. Santana used his physical advantages to impose himself early, landing powerful shots while maintaining his rhythm throughout the rounds. Eduardo da Cruz — from Piauí — showed tremendous heart, absorbing heavy punishment and attempting counter-attacks despite being knocked down at the end of round two and being pinned against the ropes in round seven. The referee finally intervened in the ninth round, stopping the contest as Cruz remained on his feet but could no longer defend himself effectively.

What does this title mean for Santana's career?

The victory extended Santana's unbeaten professional record to eight wins and one draw. He trains at the social project Anjo sem Asas in Balneário Camboriú. Four-time world champion Acelino "Popó" Freitas personally handed Santana the belt in the ring.

What else happened at FMS Fight Night 11?

In the co-main event, Natalia Vilella and Danila Ramos fought a frantic six-round women's boxing bout that ended in a draw — judges could not separate two former champions with backgrounds in kickboxing, taekwondo and boxing. The card also featured two influencer bouts; in the first, personal trainer Gilsão stopped actor Agles Steib by TKO in round four.