Santiago Ponzinibbio Returns Against Sam Patterson at UFC Abu Dhabi
The veteran welterweight will look to bounce back when he returns to action against rising prospect Sam Patterson later this month.
After more than a year away from the Octagon, Santiago Ponzinibbio is set to return to action. The UFC has announced that the Argentine will face Sam Patterson at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. A UFC veteran with 20 appearances for the promotion, Ponzinibbio finds himself at a difficult stage of his career.
Since being knocked out by Li Jingliang in January 2021, ending his seven-fight winning streak, the Argentine has lost five of his last eight fights. He will now face a tough challenge against one of the welterweight division's rising prospects.
Sam Patterson Continues Rapid Rise Ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi
Despite suffering a unanimous decision loss to Michael Page last March, Patterson remains one of the division's most intriguing prospects. Before losing to "Venom," the British fighter had put together an impressive four-fight winning streak, with all four victories coming by first-round finish. With six knockout wins and seven submission victories in his professional career, Patterson has proved he is just as dangerous on the feet as he is on the ground.
Contrasting Moments for Ponzinibbio, Patterson in UFC Abu Dhabi
The matchup pits a veteran against a prospect, with different stakes for each fighter. For Ponzinibbio, it represents another opportunity to prove he can still compete with the division's rising contenders. Patterson, meanwhile, will have the chance to earn the biggest victory of his UFC career against one of the welterweight division's most experienced fighters and continue his climb toward the top of the rankings.
