With Carlston Harris 2-2 across his last four, and Argentina’s Santiago Ponzinibbio 1-4 in his last five fights, Saturday’s UFC Vegas 101 co-main event was a key fight for both men.
Though clearly more critical for “The Argentinian Dagger,” Guyana’s Harris was looking to avoid a second straight high-profile setback under the UFC banner.
Ponzinibbio started the fight by taking control of the centre of the octagon. Pressure and piercing strikes were the name of the game for the Argentine. Ponzinibbio was landing strikes in combination, while Harris was landing one at a time. Towards the end of the first round, those one strikes at a time became rather effective. Harris briefly sat Ponzinibbio down, tracked him down like the Terminator, and then dropped him with a 1-2. Ponzinibbio survived.
Ponzinibbio got right on the front foot again in round two, pressuring Harris back. Harris was landing strikes right on the button, that repeatedly caused Ponzinibbio to stumble. Harris’ length was causing Ponzinibbio a lot of trouble. These two veterans were going at it.
Ponzinibbio started the third round by putting Harris on his back with a takedown, and landing leg kicks from a standing position, while Harris was on the ground. Ponzinibbio stumbled Harris with a big right hand, and followed up very well. After multiple stumbling right hands, Harris crumbled to the ground after a heavy right hand. Ponzinibbio landed another left hook, briefly putting Harris down again, but when Harris slowly began to regain a bit of composure, he was immediately rocked again, and that was enough for Kerry Hatley to call an end to this welterweight contest.
After the win, Ponzinibbio told Michael Bisping that he hopes to stay active in 2025, suggesting a spot on the rumored Miami card in April.
Official Result: Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Carlston Harris by TKO (punches) Round 3, 3:13
