Ponzinibbio expects to headline UFC Chile, wants Wonderboy or Cerrone
Santiago Ponzinibbio still can't buy a spot on pay-per-view - not that it seems to bother him.
All 10 of the streaking welterweight's walks to the Octagon have been broadcast on free TV, and he expects his 11th won't be any different. In fact, the Argentine believes he's the perfect candidate to headline the UFC's first visit to Chile on May 19, and he has a pair of opponents in mind for the tilt: Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson or Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone.
"I am ready for the top five," Ponzinibbio recently told MMAjunkie's Mike Bohn. "I am ready for anyone in this division. I could fight Tyron Woodley tomorrow. I am ready for any situation. I asked the UFC for 'Wonderboy' (Thompson), because I think we would have an exciting fight. Two high-level striker guys, and Cerrone too.
"I would want 'Wonderboy,' but I think he has an injury and still has to rehab. If 'Wonderboy' can’t, OK, give me Cerrone. I think it’s an exciting fight for the fans. For the first time in Chile, it would be a really exciting fight I think."
Ponzinibbio has been angling for a top-tier dance partner since he extended his winning streak to six with a unanimous decision over Mike Perry in December, and both Thompson and Cerrone certainly fit the bill. But with "Wonderboy" still recovering from nagging hand injuries, the 31-year-old Ponzinibbio is banking on Cerrone's penchant for competing on foreign soil.
"Not many guys like to fight in other's towns, but Cerrone will do it," he said. "For this reason I think Cerrone is a very good option. I know he will fight anyone in any country. I have six victories in a row, I have big knockouts, and I deserve to fight guys in the top five. But if I don't have that fight it’s OK, because Cerrone will be very exciting for the fans."
The UFC takes Santiago's Movistar Arena for its first event in a South American country other than Brazil on May 19.