Santiago Ponzinibbio ices Gunnar Nelson in the first

In an international clash of culture and style, the welterweight ice king of Iceland, Gunnar Nelson, faced off against hard-hitting Argentinean Santiago “Gente Boa” Ponzinibbio in the main event today (Sun., July 16, 2017) with the UFC Fight Night 113 mixed martial arts (MMA) event on FOX Sports 1 from inside the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

Both welterweights have received setbacks against top-level opposition, but both fighters retain the promise of future potential. Gunnar Nelson, ranked eight in the world, had won two straight after losing a grappling battle against Demian Maia. Ponzinibbio was on a four-fight win streak.

They touched gloves. Ponzinibbio feinted forward, but just as he got Nelson to the cage Nelson unleashed an uppercut in combination that sent the Ponz stumbling back. Nelson connected hard again a few moments later, then landed a leg kick. Ponzinibbio landed a straight right flush, rocking Nelson! Gunnar stumbled to the fence, and Ponzinibbio swarmed. Nelson covered up, but Ponzinibbio connected again with a hard jab, and Nelson collapsed to the canvas. Ponzinibbio put him out cold with a few hard ground punches, and the fight was over! The crowd was silent as the Argentinean celebrated ecstatically.

Ponzinibbio said in the post-fight interview that Gunnar Nelson was a tough opponent for him. He thanks his coaches at American Top Team and his fans in Argentina and Brazil. He credits his jab and his distance for the knockout win, and claims he is the best striker in the division, ready for anyone at 170 pounds in the world. After this bout, his fifth straight, one has to take him at his word.

Final result: Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Gunnar Nelson by knockout at 1:22 of round 1

For full UFC Fight Night 113 results and play-by-play click here