Santiago Pozinibbio Calls Out Rafael Dos Anjos For A Number One Contender Fight

After picking up the biggest win of his career this past weekend, Santiago Ponzinibbio has his eyes on UFC gold and he’s knows exactly the path he’s going to have to take to get his shot.

This past weekend, the Argentine defeated Mike Perry at UFC on Fox 26 in a back and forth three round war. After the bout, Ponzinibbio was taken to hospital and wasn’t able to talk to the press, but today he caught up with MMANytt.com and gave his thoughts on the fight.

“Yeah I think it was a good fight, he was a strong guy,” Ponzinibbio said. “he had a hard punch and 11 fights and 11 knockouts. He was a dangerous guy, but I controlled [the fight] you know. He couldn’t change. I gave good right hands and good punches and he couldn’t change. I felt a little bit tired in the second and third round, but I think was down to the climate and the weather, but I controlled the fight the whole time.

“The judges gave it 29-28, but I think it was 30-27. I won the first round. I had more clean punches and I controlled the distance the whole time and I gave good kicks, good takedowns. I feel it was a good fight. This guy is a good guy, he’s a strong guy.”

Eyes on Woodley

With Perry now in the rear-view mirror, Ponzinibbio has his eyes on the title. He believes that given his run of form, he now deserved a shot at the champion, Tyron Woodley.

“Now I’m ready for the champion,” Ponzinibbio said. “I’m ready to be next champion of this division. I have six victories in a row and the most victories in a row now. I have a lot of victories by knockout in the first round and I’m exciting to watch. All my fights I’m considered for a bonus, sometimes they give me it and sometimes they don’t. I’m an exciting fighter and I’m nearing my chance for the belt.”

Bring on RDA first

With Woodley on the sidelines, Ponzinibbio’s aware that he might not immediately get a title shot. Rather than wait around, he thinks he should fight another man in the title mix to determine the true number one contender.

“I know the UFC might not give me it now because Tyron Woodley has an injured shoulder, so I think they should give me Rafael dos Anjos,” Ponzinibbio said.

“Rafael dos Anjos and I should fight and the winner should fight for the title. I think this is a good match.”

RDA needs to prove he deserves a shot

Despite being transported to hospital, Ponzinibbio has seen dos Anjos’ performance in the main event and he admitted he was impressed. He does however think dos Anjos should have to go through him if he’s to get a shot at the belt.

“I thought it was a good fight and good performance by Rafael dos Anjos,” Ponzinibbio said. “I like the winner of this fight, it’s nothing personal with Rafael dos Anjos. I like him, he won, but he only has three fights in this division you know. He won against Tarec Saffiedine, he is an old guy. Neil Magny is tough, but Lawler is old too and not having the best moment in his career.

“I have six fights in a row in this division and I have ten fights in this division. I think for him to get a title shot now, it’s too quick. I think if he fights with me before going to a title shot it’s much better.”

Follow Santiago Ponzinibbio on Twitter @SPonzinibbioMMA

Follow Santiago Ponzinibbio on Instagram @SPonzinibbioMMA