Although he was not born in Brazil, Santiago Ponzinibbio He has the affection of a large part of Brazilian MMA fans. Called 'Argentine Gente Boa', the welterweight (up to 77kg.) spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel and vented about the defeat suffered in his last appointment. The fighter also assessed the current scenario in his category, listed possible opponents for the future and 'threatened' his opponent in the UFC Las Vegas 28, which takes place this Saturday (5).
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Highlight of the category currently led by Kamaru Usman For years, Santiago suffered a stumble in the challenge that marked his return to the Octagon after more than two years away from the Octagon. The Argentine, however, is ready to resume his journey towards the top of the group and is looking for a great result against Miguel Baeza this weekend.
Outburst after defeat
Beaten by li jingliang, on the card that opened the Ultimate season, Ponzinibbio regretted not being able to put into practice what he trained for the commitment. Knocked out by a well-aimed blow, the athlete spoke about how he absorbed the defeat.
“I had never lost like that. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. Difficult, but, once again in my life, I took adversity and used it as motivation, to continue evolving as an athlete and to continue showing myself and the world that I have what it takes to be a world champion. No matter what happens. If there's a defeat, an injury, I'll take it to give me more energy. There's no way. It’s the way I live my life”, said the fighter.
Fight with Baeza
This Saturday, Santiago will be tested against a bet for the future of Ultimate. Rival of Miguel Baeza, Ponzinibbio appears calm for the confrontation and is not fazed by his opponent's undefeated record. Taking advantage of the space, the Argentine sent a harsh message to his weekend opponent.
“Another great fight to watch. Fans will really like their style. I will show my best version. For me, it's good to take a promise, which comes well, so that people can understand that I'm here to be world champion. If he (Baeza) wants to get up and stand for 15 minutes, he will be very hurt and will feel a lot of pain. It's up to him, what he wants to do. I’m going to get in there (in the octagon) to finish him,” said the welterweight.
Welterweight scenario
With the intention of regaining a prominent position in Usman's category, Santiago does not hide his excitement at the current scenario in the category. Part of one of the most dangerous groups in the UFC, the athlete welcomes names among the category's elite.
“It’s a really fun division. There are big names, new athletes. (…) I’m really looking forward to being able to come back and fight with them. I know it's possible. My level is supposed to be the best in the world, but it's no use just knowing. I have to go in there and fight, keep fighting. That's my goal. I fought in January, I'm returning in July and I should return in August or September”, he said.
Possible opponents
If he returns to the top 15 in the category, Ponzinibbio will face great names from the recent history of Ultimate. Aiming for the absolute top of the group, the Argentine then listed some names against whom he would like to test himself.
“There are several good fights there. In the top 10, there is Michael chiesa, which is good. Vincent Luque, Gilbert Burns (Durinho), (Stephen) Thompson. There are a lot of good guys to fight,” said Santiago.
Return to the ranking
Before his career hiatus due to injuries, Santiago held a prominent position in the division, but ended up losing his position due to inactivity within the company. The athlete, however, believes that his recent record is enough so that, in the event of a great result on Saturday, his condition will recover.
“In the last eight fights, I knocked out big names. My last fight doesn't define me. It wasn't a guy who picked me up for 15 minutes and kneaded me. It was a blow. In a four-ounce glove, a lucky strike, which caught in the right place. (…) I really felt the inactivity. I'm an aggressive guy, but I started slower in this fight. Just as I was starting to warm up, it was over. (…) Page turned. Like I said: 'this fight doesn't define me”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 34 years old, Santiago is heading towards his 32nd fight as a professional in MMA. Today, the athlete has 27 victories and four setbacks. For the UFC, Ponzinibbio has 12 commitments, having triumphed in nine and been beaten in three.
Undefeated in his career, Miguel will step into the octagon to defend his 100% record in his career in mixed martial arts. Undefeated in 10 fights in the sport, the fighter reaches his fourth clash with Ultimate gloves.
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