Ponzinibbio returns, makes weight and pays tribute to Maradona before UFC Ilha da Luta 7

S. Ponzinibbio paid tribute to Maradona before the UFC Fight Island 7. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Everything would have gone normally at the official weigh-in for the UFC Fight Island 7, which takes place this Saturday (16), in Abu Dhabi, were it not for the charismatic Santiago Ponzinibbio. Back in the Octagon after more than two years out of action, the Argentine drew positive attention. After fulfilling his commitment to the scales, the athlete paid tribute to the football legend, Diego Armando Maradona, who died in November last year.

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Known in Brazil as ‘Argentino Gente Boa’, Ponzinibbio has plenty of reasons to be excited this weekend. After overcoming several health problems, the athlete passed the scale without any problems and confirmed 77,6kg (using the pound* tolerance).

Santiago's opponent in UFC Fight Island 7, li jingliang reached the same mark as its rival. The Chinese will have the role of trying to ruin the Argentine's party.

In the main fight, no mistakes. Former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg.), Max Holloway He once again showed his professionalism and secured 66,2kg, reaching the limit for non-belt fights in the group.

Hawaiian's rival, Calvin kattar weighed the same amount as the opponent. The two made a respectful look moments later.

Brazilians at the event

First Brazilian athlete to step into the Octagon this Saturday, Vanessa melo He reached the bantamweight limit without any problems (up to 61,2kg). Using the tolerance pound, the athlete guaranteed the same 61,7kg. from her opponent, Sarah Moras. The two face each other in the first half of the show.

Also on the main card, Carlos Boi is ready for your next challenge. Weighing 119,8kg, the fighter guaranteed the fight against justin tafa, who weighed 120,2kg.

Check out the weights for UFC Ilha da Luta 7

MAIN CARD

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Max Holloway (66,2kg) x Calvin kattar (66,2kg)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Carlos Condit (77,6kg) x Matt Brown (77,6kg)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Santiago Ponzinibbio (77,6kg) x li jingliang (77,1kg)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Joaquin buckley (83,9kg) x Alessio di chirico (84,4kg)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Punahele Soriano (84,4kg) x Dusko Todorovic (84,4kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): phil hawes (84,4kg) x Nassourdine Imavov (84,4kg)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Wu Yanan (61,7kg) x Joselyne Edwards (61,2kg)

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Carlos Boi (119,8kg) x justin tafa (120,2kg)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): David Zawada (77,1kg) x Ramazan Emeyev (77,6kg)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Sarah Moras (61,7kg) x Vanessa melo (61,7kg)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Jacob Kilburn (65,8kg) x Austin Lingo (65,8kg)

*As there are no belt disputes, all athletes had a pound (454g.) tolerance over the official weights of their respective divisions.