Santiago Ponzinibbio, Argentina’s top MMA fighter, aims to secure a knockout victory at UFC Denver and then fly to Miami to watch Argentina win the Copa America, expressing confidence in both his fight and his country’s soccer success.
In 2022, Argentina beat France in an epic soccer match to win the FIFA World Cup. Just eight days after that, Santiago Ponzinibbio knocked out Alex Morono at UFC 282.
Now, Argentina’s most popular MMA fighter wants to keep the momentum going on Saturday. Ponzinibbio faces Muslim Salikhov in the co-main event of UFC Denver.
This fight happens just one day before Argentina plays Colombia for the Copa America trophy. The veteran UFC welterweight has a plan in mind.
“Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go, Argentina! We will win,” Ponzinibbio chanted during an interview with MMA Fighting. “Last time, I said I would win by knockout and we would become world champions, and that’s how it went.”
Ponzinibbio had tickets for the World Cup final in Qatar in December 2022 but couldn’t travel due to work-related obligations. He won’t miss the match this time.
He finished his camp in high altitude to acclimate for Denver. His temporary neighbors didn’t like his loud reactions to Argentina matches during Copa America.
At one point, someone cut the power of his apartment so he couldn’t watch the match. This time, however, Ponzinibbio wants to be on location in Miami to witness history.
“I will win by knockout and then I’ll catch the first flight Sunday morning to watch the final,” Ponzinibbio said. “Argentina will win the Copa America, no doubt about it.”
Ponzinibbio and Salikhov both enter the octagon looking to bounce back from knockout defeats. Ponzinibbio promises the fight will not go the distance.
“I always go for the finish but always prepare to fight 15 or 25 minutes if needed be,” Ponzinibbio said. “I don’t think the fight will last that long.”
The welterweight duo was first paired to meet in January 2021 but Salikhov withdrew due to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. Li Jingliang stepped in as a replacement and ended Ponzinibbio’s seven-fight winning streak.
The American Top Team fighter won just two of his next five bouts but feels rejuvenated now. “I went through a roller-coaster [since then], health problems and several setbacks,” he said.
“But I was able to change a lot of things.” You’ll see that Santiago Ponzinibbio in this fight.”
“We managed to make several changes, physically and strategically.” He feels great and confident about showing a renovated version of himself.
“I believe I’ll knock him out,” he continued. “I have a ton of confidence in my hands’ power.”
“When I perform well, I can knock anyone out.” He believes this fight will end by knockout.