Santiago Ponzinibbio will not be competing against Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night 129 next month due to a left hand injury and that completely sucks.
What makes matters worse is that Ponzinibbio, who has since been replaced by Brazilian veteran Demian Maia for UFC Chile’s main event, will require surgery, per a recent report by MMA Fighting.
It’s something that the hard-hitting welterweight contender tried to push through, but after meeting with a doctor to examine the injury, Ponzinibbio was forced to withdraw from his biggest UFC fight to date.
”The hand injury happened in sparring,” Ponzinibbio said. “I kept training because I wanted to fight, but it was getting worse. The doctor looked at it and said, ‘Santiago, you can’t fight. It would be better if you had surgery now to fix it right away.’”
Ponzinibbio, 31, is meeting with a specialist today (Fri., April 27, 2018) to determine when he’s going to go under the knife. From there, the Argentinian knockout artist will be able to provide fight fans with an updated timeline for his return.
”I really wanted to fight,” Ponzinibbio said. “I knew I would headline this card a long time ago and was anxious and excited for it. It sucks, but it’s part of the job. I was very upset, but I will come back stronger.”
Since entering the promotion back in 2013, Ponzinibbio has produced a sensational 8-2 record, including memorable finishes over proven veterans Gunnar Nelson and Court McGee. Ponzinibbio is currently ranked No. 9 in a stacked 170-pound division and has won his last six Octagon appearances, making him a valuable asset heading into the second half of 2018.
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