Santiago Ponzinibbio: An Agreeable Argentine

Santiago Ponzinibbio sounds like someone in lockstep with Ultimate Fighting Championship matchmakers.

The longtime welterweight standout will take on Michel Pereira in the UFC Fight Night 206 co-main event on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where he seeks to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in his 14-year career. Still a Top 15-ranked competitor at 170 pounds, Ponzinibbio understands the thinking behind the pairing.

“I think it’s excellent matchmaking,” he told Sherdog.com. “He’s a spectacular, fun fighter. He’s the sport’s most impressive fighter. There’s never been anyone before doing what he does in the Octagon. I’m loving this matchup. I don’t care much about rankings. They don’t usually make much sense. I’ve had good results. I’ve been doing good work. It’s a very interesting fight for the fans of the sport, considering his style and mine.”

Ponzinibbio likes the extra attention Pereira brings to the table.

“We’ll have a great fight,” he said. “Since he has such a great media presence, this bout may be even more important than one against someone who’s already ranked. I’m very happy with this challenge. I know he’s dangerous and versatile. I prepared for that. I worked hard.”

A finalist on Season 2 of “The Ultimate Fighter Brazil,” Ponzinibbio has compiled a 10-4 record across his 14 appearances in the UFC. His run includes wins over Sean Strickland, Court McGee, Gunnar Nelson and Mike Perry. Ponzinibbio last fought at UFC 269, where he wound up on the wrong side of a split decision against Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Geoff Neal on Dec. 11. He spent the ensuing months attempting to correct his flaws at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, where he trains under a host of world-class trainers, from Conan Silveira, Marcos da Matta to Steve Mocco, Vitelmo Kubis Bandeira and Gabriel de Oliveira.

Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream UFC Fight Night 206 “Holm vs. Vieira” live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app.

“I’m very well-trained,” said Ponzinibbio, who leaned on stablemates Handesson Ferreira and Glaico Franca to emulate Pereira’s unorthodox style. “I feel I’m very well-prepared.”

Pereira enters the cage on the strength of a four-fight winning streak. The acrobatic 28-year-old last fought on Jan. 22, when he outpointed Andre Fialho to a unanimous decision at UFC 270. Pereira has momentum on his side—a reality not lost on the seasoned and experienced Ponzinibbio.

“I believe that a good win against him can catapult me back to the top of the division,” he said. “My goal is to get even closer to the title. I’m excited to represent Argentina and Latin America again. I’m very happy with this opportunity.”

Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream UFC Fight Night 206 “Holm vs. Vieira” live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app.