Santiago Ponzinibbio returns to action at UFC Abu Dhabi.
The UFC announced Friday that Ponzinibbio (30-9) is set to fight England’s Sam Patterson (14-3-1) in a welterweight bout on its July 25 Etihad Arena card. This marks Ponzinibbio’s first fight since May 2025.
Ponzinibbio, 39, was once on his way to a title shot after winning seven straight fights from 2015-2018. However, the Argentine was hindered by numerous health issues and then lost to Li Jingliang in a comeback fight in 2021. Since that defeat, Ponzinibbio has won just three of his past eight fights. In his most recent outing, he suffered a third-round knockout loss to Daniel Rodriguez.
On the other side, Patterson also looks to regain momentum after a disappointing effort against Michael Page this past March. Not only did Patterson lose, but the bout was heavily criticized for its lack of action, as the friends and training partners appeared reluctant to engage. Prior to that setback, Patterson rattled off four straight wins, all by knockout or submission.
UFC Abu Dhabi is headlined by light heavyweight bout between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr.
See the updated UFC Abu Dhabi lineup below (bout order still to be finalized).
Magomed Ankalaev vs Khalil Rountree Jr.
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov
Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune
Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Sam Patterson
Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola
Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen
Uran Satybaldiev vs. Dustin Jacoby
Magomed Tuchalov vs. Brendson Ribeiro
Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki
Mike Davis vs. Nurullo Aliev
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