Kamaru Usman and Santiago Ponzinibbio headline UFC Chile:

Interesting meeting at Welterweight.
Two Welterweight prospects headline the Ultimate Fighting Championship's premier trip to Latin America as wrestling sensation Kamaru 'The Nigerian Nightmare' Usman meets Argentinian striker Santiago Ponzinibbio in a five round clash. The May, 19th event marks the promotion's first visit to Chile and with the emergence of Ponzinibbio as a rising prospect with an exciting style, a prospect versus prospect match up with the athletically gifted Usman makes perfect logic.

With a perfect 7-0 UFC résumé to boot, The Ultimate Fighter victor Usman has been criticised recently due to his hugely effective, but cautious grappling and clinch approach, similar in a way to division kingpin Tyron Woodley. Despite his reluctance to stand and trade when possible, Kamaru has established himself as one of the most feared and dominant contenders in a stacked 170lbs group. In a long awaited meeting with Norwegian favourite Emil Weber Meek, Usman once more came under scrutiny for his wrestle heavy display, which ultimately resulted in a unanimous decision victory for the Benin City star. Other notable names on the victim list of Kamaru include Brazil's Sérgio Moraes, Sean Strickland, Leon Edwards and Warlley Alves.


Passing the biggest test of his career in his two most recent Octagon walks, 'Gente Boa' Ponzinibbio finished SBGi Jiu-Jitsu player Gunnar Nelson in the opening round, and also overcame the dangerous Mike Perry to score a decision triumph. Amassing 18 wins before the eventual transition to the UFC, Santiago was recognised as not only a slick boxer but a wily submission artist, accustomed to a rear-naked choke victory if provided his opponent's neck. His standup skills are obviously Ponzinibbio's best offensive outputs, making this a classic striker versus wrestler meeting, with Usman capable of a one hitter quitter, while Santiago has the ability to dominate you technically and pick you off for a victory.

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