Santiago Ponzinibbio Wants to Fight a Ranked Opponent Next

MMAjunkie recently spoke to UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio ahead of his UFC Fight night 105 bout with Nordine Taleb. Below are some highlights.

Ponzinibbio on his winning streak: “I believe that my current win streak and the upswing in my career are due to the work I’ve been putting in. I’ve been training very hard for many years, looking to evolve every day. I believe I’ve been managing to do so. I see it during my training sessions.”

On wanting a ranked opponent: “I accept every fight that’s offered to me. I’m a dedicated employee. I did think I’d get a ranked opponent this time. Nordine Taleb is a good fighter, but he’s not ranked. But without a doubt, a victory over him will put me in a good place in my weight class. What matters isn’t just the quantity but the quality of wins. I beat Zak Cummings, who’s very tough. I beat Court McGee, who’d never been knocked out before. I did it in the first round. I beat Sean Strickland, who’s otherwise undefeated with 18 wins. I’ve been beating these guys. So I feel I deserve a ranked opponent, though right now I’m only focused on Nordine Taleb.”

On preparing for his fights: “But I always prepare very well. I’m always looking to improve whether I’m booked or not. If I don’t win, I’ll analyze what happened so I can learn from it. But I won’t lament a loss since I did everything possible (to win). That won’t happen, of course, since I’m ready to win again.”