Santiago Ponzinibbio hold up the Argentina flag following a win in 2017.
Santiago Ponzinibbio eyeing June return and ‘looking for a big fight’ in return to Octagon
Santiago Ponzinibbio says he is finally healthy and is looking to return to the Octagon in June.
Ponzinibbio has not fought since November of 2018 where he knocked out Neil Magny. Since then, he was dealing with some injuries but was cleared to fight last December where he was expected to fight Robbie Lawler at UFC 245. Yet, a staph infection derailed those plans.
Now, the fighter from Argentina is looking to make his return in June and hoping it is against a big name.
“I had an injury that put the breaks on my career,” Ponzinibbio told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I was doing well and I was close to a world title, but I’m now recovered and really happy I’m now able to return to the Octagon and now I’m looking for a big fight to make that return.”
Ponzinibbio believes his past work speaks for itself and although he hasn’t fought in a year and a half, he still thinks he deserves a top-ranked opponent.
“My work is well documented,” Ponzinibbio said. “I have 15 fights in the company, a seven-fight winning streak, four knockouts, I knocked the No. 8 guy twice, so the work is there. Injuries happen, it’s part of the game, but I’m going to give it my all in my return, win that fight and be right there to fight for the world title.”
Some names he has in are the likes of Nate Diaz or perhaps re-booking the Robbie Lawler fight among others.
“A top-five or a big name,” Ponzinibbio said. “Sometimes it’s not a top-five, but maybe a former champion like Robbie Lawler, Rafael dos Anjos, those are people who have great names in the company. Or Nate Diaz or (Anthony) Pettis, big names that may not be in the rankings, or a top-five who’s not know much but who can give me a shot at the title.”
Regardless, Santiago Ponzinibbio is now healthy again he believes he can get to the top of the division with only a win or two.
“Maybe two, maybe one (win), but I don’t care about that right now,” Ponzinibbio said. “I’m just focused on getting big fights so I can do my job, keeping building my name, and the title is going to come as consequence. I know I have all the weapons to be a world champion and I’m ready, so that’s going to come naturally.”
