Wild Faceplant KO Caps Off 'UFC Fight Night: Magny vs Ponzinibbio' In Argentina

Tonight, in his home country of Argentina, Santiago Ponzinibbio made a massive statement in the UFC’s Welterweight Division when he faceplanted Neil Magny after terrifyingly dominating him for three and a half straight rounds.

From the very beginning of the fight, it felt the narrative or story it told was “How long could Magny survive?!” – and the tide just never changed. With whip-like leg kicks (which dropped Magny multiple times throughout), unbelievable pressure, and an incredible ability to cut off the cage, forcing his opponent against the fence, Ponzinibbio put on what I’d call a near-perfect performance tonight. Could he have probably ended the fight sooner, if he poured it on after Magny sold his leg kicks like he just stepped on a thumbtack*?

Probably. BUT – if staying composed, and being a bit hesitant to pounce on his injured prey allowed him to pressure as he did in this fight, don’t change a thing. I could see Ponzinibbio being a real problem for a few top ten welterweights because of said pressure, especially considering the power he’s got in his hands as well.

*I’m not clowning on Magny for being in pain, he’s an absolute warrior. Just making jokes, I wouldn’t handle those leg kicks any better myself. Obviously.

Overall, I’d say tonight’s UFC card was a pretty pleasant surprise as far as the action in the octagon went. On paper, it didn’t seem too enticing – I’ll admit that – but five finishes on a six-fight main card? I’ll take that any day of the week. Hopefully FOX’s pacing issues are either a thing of the past when the UFC makes the jump to ESPN next year, or they realize four fight main cards are probably a better idea to get your main event fighters in the public spotlight, however, because it’s 1:37am right now and that’s nuckin’ futs.