Ponzinibbio comes from six victories (Photo: Reproduction Facebook Santiago Ponzinibbio)
the argentine Santiago Ponzinibbio continued his rise to the top of the welterweight division with a decisive victory over Mike Perry at UFC Winnipeg last Saturday (16). After a competitive first round, the variety of strikes and the physical preparation of the eternal “Gente Boa” made the difference and he took the fight by decision, his sixth consecutive victory. After the fight, Ponzi asked Rafael Dos Anjos and, in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, explained why he thinks he deserves to face the Brazilian.
See too
“I've won six in a row, it's the longest streak among welterweights. I made the main event in Scotland and now I had a good performance. I think I deserve to be in the top-5 and I see Rafael as the guy who can take me to a title fight”, commented Santiago.
Besides Rafael Dos Anjos, the Argentine also mentioned the possibility of soon facing the current champion of the category, Tyron woodley. Ponzinibbio thinks he could finish the American.
“I really want this fight. I think I'll get there and finish. That simple. I'm at the best moment of my career and I can beat any fighter in the division, including Tyron woodley"He said.
Read the interview with Santiago Ponzinibbio
SUPER FIGHTS: What analysis do you make of your performance in front of the Mike Perry?
Santiago Ponzinibbio: I'm a striker, so the planning is always the same. Let's change. I wanted to move more, throw line strikes and confuse my opponent. I think I did it well in the first round, but the fight was very fast-paced and I got a little tired. I trained a lot of kicks and swings because I knew he was very open and I managed to put that into the strategy. I felt very comfortable in there and, thank God, everything went well.
SL: What's your next step now?
SP: Now I want to fight for the belt, without a doubt. I know I'm not going to get there yet, but I can fight a guy who will get me there.
SL: Who would this fighter be?
SP: I want a top-5. I think I deserved it. I've won six in a row, it's the longest streak among welterweights. I made the main event in Scotland and now I had a good performance. I think I deserve a top-5 and I see Rafael as the guy who can take me to a title shot.
SL: Besides Rafael, do you have any other challenge?
SP: It could be Lawler too. I want to fight for the title, so I need to face someone who can put me there. He's a former champion and I think we would have a good fight too.
SL: How do you think it fits with the champion's game Tyron woodley.
SP: I really want this fight. I think I'll get there and finish. That simple. I'm always improving myself, innovating in my physical preparation. I have been training a lot at American Top Team and always trying to reach my highest level. I think I deserve to get there. I'm at the best moment of my career and I can beat any fighter in the division, including Tyron woodley.
SL: Will you fight in Argentina in 2018? The UFC is flirting with Latin America…
SP: Well, rumors speak of two events in Latin America. One in Chile and one in Argentina. I hope the UFC comes to Buenos Aires so I can make this dream come true, fighting at home would be very important for my career. But I think I'll be happy fighting in any country in Latin America.
SL: What do you think of the attitudes of Colby covington? Are you, as an almost Brazilian, offended?
SP: He's all wrong. Too unnecessary. Everyone promotes themselves as they want, but he is completely wrong about this, totally.
SL: I would like to see the Georges St Pierre back to welterweight?
SP: I would love! He is my idol, a guy who you see is good. Even more so if I have the opportunity to face him. Then I would love it even more (laughs).
[vox id=”76276″]
Comments