The fight game isn’t forgiving—every loss stings, and the recovery period is agonizingly slow. For Santiago Ponzinibbio, this Saturday’s co-main event against Carlston Harris at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 isn’t just another bout—it’s a pivotal opportunity to reclaim the euphoria of victory and quiet the growing frustration of near-misses and tough defeats.
Ponzinibbio’s Unique Struggles in the Octagon
Unlike team sports where athletes get multiple chances to bounce back during a season, mixed martial artists like Ponzinibbio only fight once or twice a year. A loss means months of introspection, physical recovery, and tactical adjustments, with no immediate chance to rewrite the narrative. Ponzinibbio knows this reality all too well.
“Every loss is terrible,” Ponzinibbio said in a recent interview. “It’s not once, but it’s three times, and they’re fights I’m pretty confident I won.”
The 38-year-old Argentine welterweight has been on the wrong side of three razor-thin decisions in his last four defeats. Losses to Michel Pereira, Geoff Neal, and more recently to Muslim Salikhov in July 2024, all came via split decisions, leaving Ponzinibbio feeling robbed of what could have been career-redefining victories.
Hungry for Redemption: Ponzinibbio’s Drive
Despite being sidelined from the Top 15 rankings, Ponzinibbio isn’t walking into the Octagon this weekend because he has to—he’s doing it because he wants to. After enduring another six-month wait following his narrow defeat to Salikhov, the Argentine veteran is hungry for that winning feeling.
“I’m very hungry to get back to a win, to try to have an active year,” he said. “I’m super-happy with the preparation, and I’m ready to dance again.”
Ponzinibbio has always been known for his aggressive striking and well-rounded skills. Yet, he acknowledges that subtle adjustments are needed to avoid relying on the judges’ scorecards. “We need to be pragmatic,” he explained. “What can I do better to score more? What can I do to finish the fight? That’s it.”
The Stakes: Why This Fight Matters
Ponzinibbio isn’t just fighting to win—he’s fighting to maintain his relevance in a stacked welterweight division. A victory against Harris could reignite his career and pave the way for bigger opportunities in 2025. More importantly, it could end his streak of disappointing results and remind fans why he was once considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
For Ponzinibbio, the motivation isn’t purely about rankings or title contention anymore. It’s about personal pride, passion, and the love for competition. Already a familiar voice on the Spanish broadcast team, Ponzinibbio could easily hang up the gloves and transition full-time into commentary. But he still has the fire to fight—and that’s what makes this fight so special.
“I’m confident with all that we did, so I’m ready,” he said. “I’m ready to have a great performance, a great victory, and move forward.”
Carlston Harris: A Tough Test
Standing across from Ponzinibbio will be Carlston Harris, a dangerous and durable opponent. Harris is known for his grappling prowess and ability to drag opponents into grueling battles. A win over Harris won’t come easy, but for Ponzinibbio, that’s exactly the kind of challenge he thrives on.
Both men have something to prove. For Ponzinibbio, it’s about redemption and rewriting his narrative. For Harris, it’s an opportunity to climb higher in the division by taking down a seasoned veteran.
Can Ponzinibbio Turn the Tide?
Santiago Ponzinibbio enters UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 with everything to gain and nothing to lose. A win could be the start of a late-career resurgence, while another loss might signal a different path for the Argentine standout.
Will we witness the rebirth of the once-feared welterweight contender? Or will Harris spoil Ponzinibbio’s comeback plans? One thing’s for sure—Ponzinibbio is ready to fight with everything he’s got.
Don't Miss UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2Catch Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Carlston Harris live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 11, 2025. Prelims start at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT, and the main card kicks off at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, exclusively on ESPN+.