Santiago Ponzinibbio stands in the present day as probably the most seasoned and skilled fighters within the UFC welterweight division. But, regardless of his lengthy tenure, the Argentine is assured he’s acquired a couple of extra chapters to his storied profession.
The 36-fight veteran, who’s been competing within the UFC since 2013, believes followers will witness a brand new model of himself in his return Saturday. Ponzinibbio (29-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) takes on Muslim Salikhov (19-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) within the co-main occasion of UFC on ESPN 59 at Ball Enviornment in Denver.
Ponzinibbio assures he’s not near retirement and never executed evolving, and he intends to show that to the MMA world.
“No, under no circumstances,” Ponzinibbio told MMA Junkie in Spanish when requested a couple of potential retirement. “It’s true that I’m at a stage the place you possibly can see the tip a lot nearer than some years again. I used to only see it as one thing that’s to this point as a result of I all the time felt good, in order that day simply appeared like it could by no means come. I’m nearer to that day now, however I nonetheless really feel I’ve rather a lot left. I’ve rather a lot left to present, and there’s loads of runway forward.
“I really feel nice, and I’ve the skills to beat the perfect within the division. If I get in there, and I’m in a position to carry out nicely with none well being points or issues like a few of my earlier fights, as a result of because of completely different causes I wasn’t in a position to carry out at my finest technically. I’ve received some current fights with my coronary heart however not with my method. I believe throughout this break day I used to be in a position to handle a couple of points, and I believe folks will see a brand new model of Santiago Ponzinibbio the place I’ll carry out one hundred pc and present I’m able to competing at a excessive stage. So to let you know the reality, retirement just isn’t one thing that crosses my thoughts.”
Ponzinibbio, 37, expects to be preventing for fairly a while, though he didn’t give a timeframe as to when he’d ideally prefer to stroll away from the game. His sole focus is on defeating Salikhov this Saturday and hold climbing the welterweight mountain.
“I’m right here for some time longer. Retirement just isn’t one thing that crosses my thoughts.” Ponzinibbio stated. “What does cross my thoughts is profitable in spectacular style on this co-main occasion bout and making a fast return, so I can hold climbing up the division.
“I do know if I’m in a position to carry out one hundred pc, I can beat anybody at 170 kilos. I don’t say this to be conceited. I simply trust in my work and what I see within the health club day by day. I’m completely satisfied and assured with this chance, and I’m in a superb second.”
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