Well, we won’t be seeing Rafael dos Anjos vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio any time soon.
The former UFC Lightweight Champion issued out a challenge to Anthony Pettis following his victory over Donald Cerrone; however, Santiago responded instead, and Dos Anjos made it clear that he wasn’t interested in facing the welterweight by stating that he was a “comedian”:
It’s interesting that Dos Anjos is asking for a rematch against Pettis since the 35-year-old beat the former Lightweight Champion at UFC 188. Dos Anjos is also ranked higher than Pettis as well. Despite that, Dos Anjos is currently on a two-fight losing streak, as he was beaten by Leon Edwards (via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 4) and Michael Chiesa (via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 166).
Ponzinibbio is actually in the midst of a seven-fight winning streak; however, the welterweight hasn’t competed inside the octagon since 2018. The 33-year-old has been held back by injuries; however, Ponzinibbio stated earlier this year in an interview with MMA Junkie that he was hoping to make a return sometime in June.
“I think June, around there, I can be ready for a fight.”
“My work is well documented,” Ponzinibbio said. “I have 15 fights in the company, a seven-fight winning streak, four knockouts, I knocked the No. 8 guy twice, so the work is there. Injuries happen, it’s part of the game, but I’m going to give it my all in my return, win that fight and be right there to fight for the world title.”