Santiago Ponzinibbio eyes April UFC return, wants fan friendly fight with Robbie Lawler

Santiago Ponzinibbio is itching to get back in the cage and prove why he was considered a threat to the UFC welterweight title just a couple of years back.

Ponzinibbio wants to return to the octagon and put his Jan. 16 loss behind him, which that marked his comeback to the UFC after a two-year layoff. Ponzinibbio (27-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) suffered a first-round knockout to Li Jingliang at UFC on ABC 1, putting an end to a seven-fight wining streak.

Ponzinibbio had overcome many setbacks to get back to the octagon, including a life-threatening infection, among many other things. The Argentinian wants to bounce back from his most recent defeat by making a return in late April.

“I was well prepared for the last bout, so I just stayed training, eating healthy, I stayed in Florida, and I’m in good shape,” Ponzinibbio told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “So if any opportunity comes up, I can return as soon as possible. I feel great, and I have that bitter taste that I can only get rid of with a victory on hand. So I’m excited to return and fight as soon as possible.”

Prior to the lengthy layoff, Ponzinibbio was ranked in the top 10 of the official UFC welterweight rankings and coming off a main event knockout win in his home country of Argentina.

The 34-year-old hopes to get someone in the rankings for his next fight. Ideally, Ponzinibbio would love to throw down with former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, who’s ranked No. 15.

“There are many good fights, but matchups are often based on the rankings positions and all that,” Ponzinibbio said. “So as much as I want to fight against someone in the top five, it’s not realistic. I don’t even think I can get someone in the top 10.

“So I’d like to fight against a Robbie Lawler. He’s 14, 15. He’s an ex-champion. He’s a striker like me, so it would be a fun matchup for the fans. It’s an interesting fight against Robbie Lawler. It’s an entertaining division, so there are many fights out there that are fun for the fans.”