Santiago Ponzinibbio dominates Neil Magny on course for fourth-round KO win
If you weren’t a believer in Santiago Ponzinibbio’s status as a welterweight contender, you’d have to think again following his performance over perennial top-10 170-pounder Neil Magny.
Ponzinibbio, who fought in his home country of Argentina for the first time in over eight years, put on a show for his adoring fans.
The Argentine dominated the fight thanks to a stinging jab – which had Magny hurt on multiple occasions – as well as some thunderous leg kicks which seldom failed to floor his foe.
Thanks to Ponzinibbio’s attack at range, Magny often found himself with his back to the cage.
That proved to be his downfall, as Ponzinibbio once again pinned his opponent against the cage in the fourth round, before launching a big right straight which landed on the money.
Magny fell face down to the mat rendered totally unconscious. Ponzinibbio followed up with one more punch as referee Herb Dean rushed in to call off the fight.
Some would argue Dean should have put Magny out of his misery earlier, as he struggled to stand thanks to his left leg being chewed up by Ponzinibbio’s pounding kicks.
A big win for Ponzinibbio as he continues his ascent up the UFC welterweight rankings. Victory over Magny signals his seventh-straight win as he looks for another step up in competition to force a title shot.
Ricardo Lamas proves too much for Darren Elkins
Darren Elkins is renowned for his toughness, but he couldn’t withstand the onslaught provided by Ricardo Lamas.
Lamas, a former UFC featherweight title challenger, was dominant everywhere in the cage. From striking to grappling, Lamas appeared to have Elkin’s number.
With less than a minute remaining, Lamas produced one final salvo of vicious ground and pound – punches, elbows, hammerfists – which had Elkins hurt, forcing the stoppage.
This was a return to form for Lamas, who was riding a two-fight losing streak before stepping into the Octagon in Buenos Aries.
Johnny Walker crushes Khalil Rountree Jr. with first-round KO
Khalil Rountree Jr. is renowned for his power, but Brazil’s Johnny Walker showed little respect for his opponent’s striking abilities.
Walker, who is now based in Southampton, England, is a towering presence at light heavyweight at 6ft 5ins.
Throwing punches, kicks, knees and looking to engage in the Thai clinch, Walker made quick work of Rountree.
And it was the aforementioned Thai clinch which did it, as Walker landed a couple of powerful short elbows to flatten his opponent on the canvas.
A big statement made by Walker, who celebrated by performing a standing backflip despite his large, ungainly frame.
Not a bad UFC debut for this 26 year-old striker, who now boasts 12 knockout wins to his name. Walker could be a name to watch for the future.
UFC Argentina: Neil Magny vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio full results
Welterweight: Santiago Ponzinibbio defeats Neil Magny by KO (punch) at 2:36 of round four.
Featherweight: Ricardo Lamas defeats Darren Elkins by TKO (elbows and punches) at 4:09 of round three.
Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker defeats Khalil Rountree Jr. by KO (elbow and punches) at 1:57 of round one.
Middleweight: Ian Heinisch defeats Cezar Ferreira by unanimous decision after three rounds.
Bantamweight: Marlon Vera defeats Guido Cannetti by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:31 of round two.
Catchweight: Cynthia Calvillo defeats Poliana Botelho by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:48 of round one.
Welterweight: Michel Prazeres defeats Bartosz Fabinski by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:02 of round one.
Flyweight: Alexandre Pantoja defeats Ulka Sasaki by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:18 of round one.
Featherweight: Austin Arnett defeats Humberto Bandenay by unanimous decision after three rounds.
Welterweight: Laureano Staropoli defeats Hector Aldana by unanimous decision after three rounds.
Lightweight: Jesus Pinedo defeats Devin Powell by unanimous decision after three rounds.
Featherweight: Nad Narimani defeats Anderson dos Santos by unanimous decision after three rounds.
