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UFC 269: Oliveira vs Poirier- Geoff Neal vs Santiago Ponzinibbio: Prediction and Analysis
Santiago Ponzinibbio is set to take on Geoff Neal in a welterweight bout inside the UFC cage. UFC 269 is the last and one of the biggest pay-per-view of the year. It will take place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 11th December 2020.
The event will feature two title fights on the card. A lightweight title bout between Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier in the main event. And a women’s bantamweight title between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena in the co-main event.
However, other than the title fights, the fight card reflects many amazing bouts. One of them is the welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Geoff Neal.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 13: Geoff Neal poses on the scale during the UFC 245 weigh-ins at T-Mobile Arena on December 13, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
‘Argentine Dragger’, was on an amazing seven-fight undefeated streak. Unfortunately, he faced a defeat against Li Jingliang in January. However, Ponzinibbio bounced back in the win column with a win over Miguel Baeza.
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Meanwhile, ‘Handz of Steel’ was undefeated since his UFC debut in 2018. However, he is currently on a two-fight skid and will look to bounce back in the win column with a victory against Ponzinibbio.
It is an important fight for both the welterweight combatants. A win in this fight will cement their position in the division. Hence, before this welterweight match, let’s compare the careers, strengths, and weaknesses of both the fighters to generate a possible outcome of the fight.
Geoff Neal vs Santiago Ponzinibbio: Prediction and Analysis
‘Argentine Dragger’ has a professional record of 29-4 under his name. He is a knockout artist with fifteen knockout wins and six submission wins on his MMA resume. He is currently #14 on the welterweight roster of UFC.
On the other hand, ‘Handz of Steel’ has a professional MMA record of 13-4, with eight knockouts and two submission wins under his name. He stands #12 in the welterweight division.
This is one good matchup, as both the fighters are skilled strikers and also have a good ground game. However, Ponzinibbio is one inch taller than Neal. But the latter has a two-inch reach advantage in the fight.
‘Handz of Steel’ lands an average of six strikes per minute. However, the Argentine fighter can absorb 4.38 strikes while landing an average of 4.65 strikes per minute. Therefore, this is most probably going to be a standing contest.
Interestingly, Ponzinibbio has finished a few of his previous opponents via submission and will have an advantage on the ground. He has also finished most of his fights early.
However, knocking out Neal won’t be a walk in the park for Ponzinibbio. As the former is yet to be stopped in the UFC. Hence, the fight might go to distance. And considering the current form of Ponzinibbio, the odds might fall in his favor in the end.
Final Prediction- Santiago Ponzinibbio defeats Geoff Neal via decision.
Who do you think will win at UFC 269? Let us know.
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