Santiago Ponzinibbio turned the clock back earlier tonight (Sat., Jan. 11, 2025) at UFC Vegas 101 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the former welterweight contender stopped Carlston Harris with a comeback TKO (punches) in the third round.
Ponzinibbio, who turned 38 this past September, was just 1-4 in his last five Octagon appearances entering Saturday night. The veteran fighter was looking to start 2025 off on a good note and prove he’s still talented enough to contend with the top 15 welterweights in the world. Stopping a tough fighter like Harris would be a great start for “Gente Boa.”
The first two rounds were a nice back-and-forth display of striking and chins. Harris did some solid damage along the way and had Ponzinibbio hurt more than once, but Ponzinibbio’s offensive work left the Brazilian’s face bloody and bruised. It was a tight race entering the final five minutes.
The third round saw Ponzinibbio push the pace and start to land at a good clip. His right hands piled up and Harris nearly went out on his feet. It took the referee a little longer than expected to step in for the stoppage, but Ponzinibbio eventually walked off with the standing TKO win.
Check out the late finish in the above video player.
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