In a bout that was highly anticipated coming in for its “Fight of the Night” potential, the pair delivered in a big way with a thrilling contest. In the end, Ponzinibbio (28-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) had the more effective work, and he got the unanimous decision win over Baeza (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) by scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28.
The welterweight bout was part of the UFC Fight Night 189 main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It streamed on ESPN+.
Both men immediately looked to find their range to start off the contest. Ponzinibbio pressured and tried to work his way into the pocket with strikes, while Baeza presented a more kick-heavy approach, going to the legs and body of his opponent. The leg kicks had a big impact, as Baeza compromised his foe. Ponzinibbio closed the round with a long flurry of punches, but only a few got through.
Baeza went right back to kicking the lead leg of Ponzinibbio to start the second round. The Argentinian showed real grit, marching forward and throwing combinations back to deter Baeza’s output. Just when it seemed Baeza might pull away with it, Ponzinibbio upped his output even more and ended the round strong with punches.
With the fight potentially up for grabs going into the final frame, Ponzinibbio found some of his best work. His jab started to land with more frequency and he checked some of the kicks coming his way from Baeza, who started to get a little sloppy. Ponzinibbio landed some hard kicks of his own, and they slugged it out until the final bell to close out the epic clash.
“I know one day I’m going to be champion,” Ponzinibbio said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “For Argentina, for my people.”
After 26 months away from the sport due to injuries and medical issues, Ponzinibbio lost his comeback fight against Li Jingliang in January. He bounced back and is now 8-1 in his past nine.
Baeza, meanwhile, saw his undefeated record receive its first blemish.
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 189 results include:
Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Miguel Baeza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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