UFC welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio sees a potential fight of the night bonus in his future against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Des Moines on Saturday night.
“100% you know. Styles make the good fights and this fight have everything to be the fight of the night,” Ponzinibbio told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“This is going to be fireworks. He’s a tough kid, coming forward with a lot of pressure, volume. That’s going to be fun fight. I’m ready to put the daggers doing the work and ready to finish.”
Ponzinibbio (30-8) and Rodriguez had originally be scheduled to fight at Noche UFC in 2023. Rodriguez was pulled from the fight following a positive PED test for Ostarine. Ponzinibbio didn’t harp on the failed test, but did mention it.
“Supposed to fight for Noche UFC 2023. He was doping. The fight (did) not happen,” he said.
“I fought in January 11, first card of the year, I won. I asked him to be active on the cage and they offered me Rodriguez for May. I said of course let’s do it.”
At 38-years-old and closer to the end than the start of his MMA career the Argentinian star still wants to continue climbing in the division.
“I still believe I’m one of the best of the division. I can beat the champion. I have the power to finish everyone in this division,” said Ponzinibbio.
“But today I’m taking my career step-by-step. My goal now is (win) this Saturday and after that be fighting soon. Be active. Take my opportunity for the belt one day.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Santiago Ponzinibbio above. He takes on Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Des Moines on Saturday night.
