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Add streaking welterweight contender Santiago Ponzinibbio to the growing list of UFC fighters to test positive for COVID-19.
The Argentinian fighter tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week, according to a recent report by Ag Fight.
Ponzinibbio, 33, hasn’t competed since a TKO win over Neil Magny back in November 2018. The welterweight contender was scheduled for a matchup with former UFC champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 245 this past December before being forced out due to a nasty staph infection. The bout was never rescheduled.
Despite his recent struggles outside of the cage Ponznibbio remains a significant asset to the UFC’s jam-packed welterweight division. Since making his Octagon debut in 2013 “Gente Boa” has amassed a 9-2 record with key wins over veterans Neil Magny, Gunnar Nelson, and Mike Perry. Ponzinibbio has won his last seven UFC appearances and believes he deserves a top 10 opponent his next time out.
Unfortunately, Ponzinibbio isn’t the only UFC fighter to pop for COVID-19 over the past few weeks. In just July alone, welterweight title contender Gilbert Burns, a cornerman for women’s strawweight standout Marina Rodriguez, and bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz have all tested positive for the virus, among others. More are sure to follow as the promotion ramps up its testing efforts in order to stage “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi over the next 3 weeks.
Stick with Mania for ongoing UFC and COVID-19 news.