Top UFC welterweight contender Kamaru Usman has long been looking for an opponent and he’s finally got one.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” will face Argentinian striker Santiago Ponzinibbio in the UFC’s first visit to Chile as reported by MMA Fighting.
Slated to take place in Santiago, Chile’s Movistar Arena on May 19th, Usman vs. Ponzinibbio will be a five-round fight headlining the card. The winner is likely to be considered as champion Tyrone Woodley’s next title defence.
Usman has engaged in multiple online back-and-forths with fellow welterweights Colby Covington, Darren Till and Jorge Masvidal to coax a bout agreement.
Florida-based Usman is on an 11-fight win streak and has decried his fellow welterweights who he deems to be avoiding a fight with him – something Ponzinibbio made light of online upon accepting the bout.
Ponzinibbio is also on a good run of his own, currently enjoying a victorious streak of six wins.
Usman’s last appearance in the cage saw him defeat Norway’s Emil Meek by unanimous decision in January. Meanwhile, American Top Team’s Ponzinibbio defeated Mike Perry in his last outing in the Octagon.
UFC Chile is shaping up to be an interesting event as the promotion makes its inaugural visit to the country. The co-main event sees ex-UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua take on former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir.
