Report: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman expected to headline UFC Chile

Rising UFC welterweight contender Santiago Ponzinibbio is nearing a return to the Octagon, as the Argentinian knockout artist is expected to take on top-flight wrestler Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night 129 on May 19 live on FOX Sports 1 from inside Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, per a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.

The 170-pound matchup is expected to serve as UFC Fight Night 129’s main event.

Ponzinibbio, 31, is coming off a unanimous decision win over the hard-hitting Mike Perry this past December. That victory pushed Ponzinibbio’s current welterweight win streak to six, which also includes a memorable knockout of Gunnar Nelson back at UFC Fight Night 113. Another win for Ponzinibbio at 170 pounds could land him close to a No. 1 contender’s bout, especially given his aptitude for destruction.

Usman, 30, extended his UFC record to 7-0 with a recent unanimous decision win over welterweight knockout artist Emil Meek at UFC Fight Night 124. “Nigerian Nightmare” has been one of the more unstoppable forces at 170 pounds since entering the promotion off of his Ultimate Fighter stint back in 2015 and could make a huge jump up the welterweight ladder if he’s able to get past Ponzinibbio on foreign soil.

UFC Fight Night 129 will also feature a co-main event clash between former light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir and former 205-pound champion and Brazilian legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

For more UFC Chile fight card news click here.