December 21, 2024

Santiago Ponzinibbio believes he’s one win away from the UFC welterweight title

Santiago Ponzinibbio wants a shot at the UFC welterweight championship.

Fresh off an 82-second finish over Gunnar Nelson in Glasgow, the Argentinian talent is now riding a five-fight winning streak with three first-round knockouts, and hopes to be back in action “soon.”

After finishing Nelson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 113 in Scotland on July 16, Ponzinibbio called out Neil Magny. With Magny booked to face Rafael dos Anjos, the American Top Team welterweight asked for a fight with former champion Carlos Condit instead, but it doesn’t seem like it’s happening.

“I thought it was a good fight for me and for the fans, but I’m waiting for an answer,” Ponzinibbio told MMA Fighting. “I’d like to fight in December, so we’ll see what happens. I’m ready to fight the best. Five wins in a row, beat good opponents and finished the No. 8 in 82 seconds.”

Aside from Condit, the only fighter ranked above him — and coming off a win — that is not booked at the moment is Robbie Lawler, who Ponzinibbio considers “a good option” for his next fight. The winner of Magny vs. dos Anjos also interests him.

In the end, “Gente Boa” believes he’s just one win away from fighting Tyron Woodley for the 170-pound championship.

“Why not? Four wins on TUF, seven in the UFC,” Ponzinibbio said. “Five wins in a row, and all my fights are entertaining. People like watching me fight.”

“I could fight for the belt now, but they won’t give me,” he added. “So give me a fight and then I’ll go for the belt.”

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