UFC welterweights Santiago Ponzinibbio and Daniel Rodriguez both expected a fight of the night type of bout at UFC Des Moines on Saturday night.
Ponzinibbio (30-8) has been in the UFC since 2013, but is yet to even sniff a title shot. Injuries and losses have hampered his title hopes but he remained steadfast at media day saying he still hopes to get his shot at gold one day. Building on a win over Carlston Harris in January with a win over Rodriguez would go a long way towards beginning that run.
Rodriguez (18-5) snapped a three-fight losing skid with a win over Alex Morono last October. Losses to Kelvin Gastelum, Ian Machado Garry and Neil Magny are nothing to sniff at, but a loss is still a loss.
Round 1 both men employed a feel-out process early on, but Rodriguez sped it up a bit forcing Ponzinibbio to match the energy. Both men bought into a ‘you go, I go’ type of pace in the first round. Throwing strikes trying to see what the reaction would be.
Ponzinibbio landed a heavy leg kick that he must have felt hurt Rodriguez because he rushed in to land a flurry. Rodriguez stayed measured relying on his boxing to reach Ponzinibbio from range.
Rodriguez landed a flush left hand shot that put Ponzinibbio on skates and he rushed the Argentinian with strikes. Ponzinibbio was able to survive the round and make it back to the stool, but he was still wobbly on his way there.
Round 2 the left hand was paying the bills for Rodriguez early on in the second. Ponzinibbio didn’t change much of his approach still looking to land a shot to hurt ‘DRod’. Rodriguez ate a big shot, and landed another shot that stung Ponzinibbio.
Ponzinibbio shot in for his second takedown attempt, but it seemed pretty weak. He continued to try takedowns, but just wasn’t having much luck getting his hands connected behind Rodriguez.
Rodriguez seemed almost offended that Ponzinibbio kept trying takedowns, but he looked rather tired at the end of the second. Ponzinibbio stayed on pace landing kicks and short shots trying to stay active. Ponzinibbio finally got a takedown with about 15 seconds left in the round, but wasn’t able to land much damage before time ran out.
Round 3 Rodriguez looked pretty tired at this point and Ponzinibbio saw it. He continued his pace looking for an opportunity to strike, but Rodriguez landed a nuclear left hand that put the Argentinian down and ended his night.
Official Result: Daniel Rodriguez def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via R3 TKO, 1:12
