Robbie Lawler vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio Lined Up for UFC 282

Robbie Lawler, UFC
Robbie Lawler, UFC 276 Ceremonial Weigh-Ins. Credit: Alex Behunin/CagesidePress

December’s UFC 282 card will feature former welterweight champ Robbie Lawler in action.

Lawler (29-16, 1NC) will face Argentinian standout Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-6) at the Pay-Per-View event on December 10. ESPN was first to report news of the booking on Tuesday.

Ponzinibbio subsequently confirmed the booking on social media.

Robbie Lawler and Santiago Ponzinibbio were previously scheduled to face off in 2019, only for the bout to fall through.

The fight will be the second bout of 2022 for Lawler, who lost a Fight of the Night effort against Bryan Barberena at UFC 276 in July. One fight prior, in September 2021, Lawler had got back in the win column with a TKO victory against old rival Nick Diaz.

Lawler, who first fought for the UFC in 2002 until 2004, returned for a second stint starting in 2013 and claimed welterweight gold Johnny Hendricks the following year. “Ruthless” defended his title twice before losing the belt against Tyron Woodley in 2016.

Ponzinibbio will be looking to snap a two-fight skid come December. In his last two outings, the “Argentinian Dagger” has dropped split decisions against both Geoff Neal and Michel Pereira. The 35-year old is 1-3 in his last four, prior to which he had won seven straight fights.

UFC 282 is expected to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 10, 2022. No other fights beyond Robbie Lawler vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio have been reported for the event.