Las Vegas, NV – UFC welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio gets a late change in opponent when Alex Morono steps into the octagon to replace Robbie Lawler at UFC 282 on Saturday night.
“This typical week, crazy. I have ten years in the company, first time it happen with me, but that’s the fight business right? Things happen and it’s ok man. I’m happy they have somebody, you know, to get punched in the face. (Then I) can take my money to home, you know,” Ponzinibbio told Cageside Press among other media on Wednesday.
Ponzinibbio (29-6) was set to take on former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 282. An injury over the weekend took Lawler out of the fight, and Morono took his place against the Argentinian.
Ponzinibbio explained that he was told of Lawler’s injury on Sunday night, but that he was confused about it. Typically, with just days left before the actual fight, fighters don’t train as hard. Ponzinibbio’s manager informed him of the injury and the withdrawing at that point.
“Sometimes happen, you know, f*ck it. I told you I’m happy they put other body there. Let’s go,” he said.
In Morono (22-7,1NC) Ponzinibbio gets a welterweight on a roll winning his last four bouts.
“Change the opponent, but the goal (is) the same. Goal to finish the guy still in front of me. I don’t care who (they) are it’s not personal business. I need to smash whatever stand in front of me, take my money back to home, continue working, and continue doing what I do,” Ponzinibbio said.
“That’s a good kid man. He won 8 of last 10 fights, and have four victories in a row. I think this good for him, I think that’s good for him. When I beat this guy I can prove to the world that I’m one of the best welterweights.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Santiago Ponzinibbio above. Ponzinibbio takes on Alex Morono at UFC 282 on Dec.3rd at T-Mobile Arena.
