Santiago Ponzinibbio returns against British finisher at UFC Abu Dhabi

This Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight scrap later this month may not reach the final horn. Per the UFC on social media on Friday, the UFC Abu Dhabi event on July 25, also known as UFC Fight Night 282 has one more bout on the billing. The now-13-fight lineup includes a 170-pound contest that pits Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-9) against Sam Patterson (14-3-1), although it currently remains unclear if it will be placed on the main card.

Turning 40 years of age in September, Argentina’s Ponzinibbio has fallen on tough times the last few years. Since amassing a solid seven-fight win streak with victories over names like Neil Magny and Mike Perry, the man known as “Argentine Dagger” has struggled in the Octagon. Dating back to 2021, Ponzinibbio has prevailed just three times opposite six setbacks.

His most recent victory came against Carlston Harris, knocking his foe out in the third frame in January 2025. He last competed in May of that year, falling to a crushing body kick and a flurry of fists of Daniel Rodriguez. Like Ponzinibbio, Patterson also lost his last fight.

Patterson saw a four-fight first-round finish streak come to a slow, deliberate halt when he failed to solve the Michael Page puzzle. The decision marked the first time that the Brit had heard the final bell since June 2021, a span of eight bouts with seven of those going in his favor. “The Future” celebrates a stoppage rate of 93%, with a nearly even distribution of knockouts to submissions—putting Ponzinibbio away with strikes would level them out at seven apiece.

UFC Abu Dhabi complete lineup:Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree – light heavyweightSteve Erceg vs. Ramazonbek Temirov – flyweightRizvan Kuniev vs.

Tyrell Fortune – heavyweightValter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen – heavyweightDustin Jacoby vs. Uran Satybaldiev – light heavyweightSantiago Ponzinibbio vs.

Sam Patterson – welterweightIsmael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola – lightweightBrendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov – light heavyweightIslam Dulato