So the risk is there as the fight goes longer for him and for Santiago he might want to prolong the fight and test Nonito's stamina.
It's the right strategy to be made, considering Donaire is older now; he might slow down as the fight goes longer. However, that's a big task for Santiago, as he needs to prevent the heavy punches of Donaire. Since Donaire is a counter-punching guy, the fight might be boring if he does not engage. I don't see a scenario that will give the fans enjoyment, but if it's the strategy, then there's nothing we can do but watch.
In the era that we are in now, boxers are much more interested to have the belts by having the much easier routes without involving themselves in a toe-to-toe confrontation fights which the fans wanted as that is much more entertaining. Some of these boxers now are not really inclined to be named as one of the strongest boxers in their era because boxing industry nowadays became more and more business instead of an entertainment sport.
That said, it's understandable if Santiago will resort into a boring fight where he will just fight to survive and will settle for the points instead because confronting and challenging Donaire is not really a good idea because only few managed to do that and had a successful run afterwards. Keeping up with him is another thing, so most probably, Santiago will start his gameplan in the mid rounds.