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Daniel Santos recognizes the fine line between victory and defeat.

The 28-year-old Brazilian will look to keep his head above water in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s cutthroat bantamweight division when he takes on Johnny Munoz Jr. in the featured UFC on ESPN 46 prelim this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Santos created some breathing room for himself in October, when he evened his Octagon record at 1-1 by cutting down John Castaneda with punches and a follow-up knee strike in the second round of their UFC Fight Night 211 encounter. The two men earned “Fight of the Night” bonuses for their efforts, and the $50,000 in additional income was a welcomed sight for the “Willycat.”

“Fighters in Brazil don’t have any support, endorsements or incentives,” Santos told Sherdog.com. “We need to teach classes and work a job to make a living. When a fight comes around, we stop teaching classes to be able to train more. That bonus allowed me to breathe a long sigh of relief. I became a father in November, and we were able to better prepare for my daughter’s arrival.

“We managed to move to another apartment and purchased a small car, which we need for medical appointments and emergencies,” he added. “It happened at the perfect time. That’s why I fight: to change my family’s life for the better.”

Munoz presents a formidable challenge. The former King of the Cage champion has authored nine finishes among his 12 career victories, seven of them via submission. Munoz last appeared at UFC Fight Night 214, where he rebounded from a knockout loss to Tony Gravely and took a three-round unanimous decision from Liudvik Sholinian on Nov. 5.

“He’s complete,” Santos said. “I’ve learned since I was a kid to never underestimate my opponents. I always fight as if I’m facing the champion. I’m ready mentally and physically to go five rounds. Johnny has good jiu-jitsu and wrestling, but the hole in his game is his standup. I’m also great on the ground. I’m tougher than he is, and I’ve faced tougher opponents than he has.”

Santos continues to operate out of the Chute Boxe affiliate fronted by Diego Lima in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There, he trains alongside Dana White’s Contender Series alum Allan Nascimento and former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

“They have nasty jiu-jitsu,” Santos said. “I’ve been working hard on my wrestling and muay thai. If I end up on my back, I’m a jiu-jitsu brown belt. I’m 100% ready.”

Should he get past Munoz, Santos wants to start his climb on the 135-pound ladder.

“I plan to fight someone who’s ranked next,” he said. “I’d like to fight once or twice more before year’s end, and to do it against someone who is ranked would be very gratifying.”