M. Pereira (left) defeated S. Ponzinibbio (right) in the UFC Las Vegas 55. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Promise fulfilled. In the confrontation between 'Brazil and Argentina', better for Michael Pereira. Featured in UFC Las Vegas 55, held this Saturday (21), 'Paraense Voador' experienced an epic battle against Santiago Ponzinibbio. After three rounds marked by open fighting, the Tupiniquim was declared the winner in a split decision by the judges.
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After a new presentation, Pereira once again showed progress with the Ultimate gloves. With the victory over the Argentine, Michel should now be included in the top 15 welterweights (up to 77kg).
Responsible for delivering one of the biggest challenges in the career of 'Paraense Voador', Santiago Ponzinibbio did not hide his disappointment after the official announcement of the result. The favorite of the Tupiniquim fans, the fighter reached the milestone of two stumbles in a row.
In a big moment, Michel reached the mark of five consecutive victories in the company. In an interview still in the octagon, the Brazilian wasted no time and challenged Jorge masvidal e Nate diaz, stars of the category led by Kamaru Usman.
The fight
The confrontation began with Michel taking the initiative with a kick to the Argentine's waistline. Afterwards, Pereira continued to be more aggressive and tried a series of punches. The 'Paraense Voador' remained more aggressive at the beginning of the clash, while Santiago tried to find the best distance to strike. After about a minute, Michel landed a clean right to the Argentine's face. Halfway through the round, Ponzinibbio attacked the Brazilian with a low kick. The duel remained tense, with the protagonists launching their best attacks. Near the final minute, a direct shot from Pará shook Santiago. The Argentine tried to recover, but continued walking towards the Tupiniquim. In the final seconds, the fighters began to engage in frank exchanges, but there was no more time.
In the second round, the first attack came from the Brazilian, who tried a combination of straight shots and kicks. Santiago responded with a cross, which stopped in the Tupiniquim's guard. The 'Paraense Voador' hit the Argentine again with a direct hit. In a good moment, Michel remained aggressive and combined punches and kicks. Almost halfway through the stage, Pereira showed off his movement and avoided the Argentine's best attacks. With little left until the end of the round, Michel received a hard direct shot from the Argentine. The Brazilian, however, was not intimidated and continued to respond to his rival's attacks. In the final minute, the athletes accepted the open fight and carried out a real battle. Towards the end of the round, the Argentine took advantage of the Brazilian's oversight and took his opponent to the ground, but there was no more time.
The last round began with the athletes measuring strength in the center of the octagon. Still in the opening moments, Pereira threw a high kick and continued attacking with punches and kicks. Santiago responded with danger, attacking with rights and jabs, which exploded in the Brazilian's face. The Argentine followed in good form, and connected with a cross that made Pereira wobble. Ponzinibbio found the best distance and scored with jabs and straight shots. Pereira tried to recover, but was 'chased' by the Argentine in the Octagon. The clash continued to be tense, with the athletes giving everything on the fighting field. Towards the final minute, the athletes continued to launch their best attacks, while the audience at the UFC Apex cheered with each blow. In the final seconds, the fighters exchanged blows in the center of the octagon, but there was no more time.
'Pereira x Ponzinibbio' statistics
UFC Las Vegas 55 results
MAIN CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Ketlen Scallop derrotou Holly holm in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Michael Pereira derrotou Santiago Ponzinibbio in the judges' split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Chidi Njōkuani derrotou Dusko Todorovic by knockout (elbow) at 4m48s of R1
Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Tabatha Ricci derrotou Polyana viana in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Jun Yong Park derrotou Erik Anders in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Joseph Holmes derrotou Alen Amedovski via submission (rear naked choke) at 1m04s of R1
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Jailton Malhadinho derrotou parker porter by submission (choke) at 4min35s of R1
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Uros Medic derrotou Omar Morales by technical knockout at 3m5s of R2
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Jonathan martinez derrotou Vince Morales in the unanimous decision of the judges
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Chase Hooper derrotou Felipe Cabocão by technical knockout 3 minutes into R3
Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Sam Hughes derrotou Elise Reed by technical knockout at 3min52s of R3
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