Santiago Ponzinibbio is excited to be featured on UFC’s inaugural card of 2025 as it potentially opens up opportunities for him to compete four times this year. However, he is frustrated by his recent 1-4 record inside the octagon.
Ponzinibbio, who previously had a seven-fight win streak between 2015 and 2018, believes he was unfairly judged in some of his recent fights. Since 2021, he has only managed one win, a bonus-winning knockout over Alex Morono, amidst three split decision losses and one stoppage defeat.
“I have to channel this anger into motivation,” Ponzinibbio told MMA Fighting ahead of his co-main event fight with Carlston Harris at UFC Vegas 101. “I feel like I was robbed in my fights against Michel Pereira and Muslim Salikhov. I’m confident I won those. I’m frustrated by the three split decision losses that I believe I won. However, I use this frustration as fuel to train harder and prepare for the next challenge. I can’t dwell on the past; I have to move forward.”
Ponzinibbio is aiming for an active year in 2025 and is hoping for a decisive victory at UFC Vegas 101 to set up a return at UFC 314 on April 5 in Miami. If he can avenge one of his close losses near his Florida home, that would be even better.
“I’m willing to rematch any opponent that I unfortunately couldn’t defeat,” Ponzinibbio stated. “Rematches are hard to come by in the UFC, but let’s see what the plans are for the company in 2025. My goal for this year is to secure a convincing win on Saturday and remain active. I aim to fight three—or even four times in 2025, starting with the first card.”
His opponent, Carlston Harris, is also looking to bounce back in the UFC. Based in Brazil, “Moçambique” has secured finishes in three of his four UFC wins but suffered a knockout loss in his last fight against Khaos Williams. Harris’ other UFC loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“He’s a well-rounded fighter, with a lengthy reach and a solid arm-triangle choke, making him a dangerous opponent,” Ponzinibbio remarked. “I know he won’t be an easy opponent, but I’m focused on my own game. I have the power to knock him out and the skills to beat him on the ground. I’m experienced and have been honing my wrestling for a long time. I’m prepared to excel in all areas, but I believe I will secure a knockout victory.”
Regardless of the outcome, Ponzinibbio is determined to avoid going to a decision to prevent any more disappointments.
“After reviewing my past fights, especially the last one, and discussing with my team, we have made adjustments to ensure clarity, secure the knockout, and avoid a similar outcome,” Ponzinibbio explained. “My entire training camp was focused on this goal. I am satisfied with the preparation and I am ready to secure a clear victory and finish the fight before it reaches a decision—whether by knockout or by dominating clearly.”
