UFC 287 goes down this weekend inside Miami Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. It’s safe to say all eyes are on the headliner featuring the return of Israel Adesanya, who will look to reclaim his light-heavyweight gold against arch-nemesis Alex Pereira. However, for all the fight fans watching around the world, there is another match-up that is bound to get the attention of UFC fans.
Kevin Holland will return to action as he takes on Argentine Santiago Ponzinibbio in what promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the best strikers in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Ahead of the match-up, let’s take a closer look at Holland and Ponzinibbio’s past fights and how they fare against each other.
Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio stats
Stats | Kevin Holland | Santiago Ponzinibbio |
---|---|---|
Wins | 23 | 30 |
Losses | 9 | 6 |
Height | 1.91 m | 1.83 m |
Division | Welterweight | Welterweight |
Reach | 206 cm | 185 cm |
Age | 30 | 36 |
Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio prediction
In hindsight, Kevin Holland is the more talented fighter. Holland’s power in the welterweight division and his ability to absorb damage and still come forward is next to none. And while the loss against Stephen Thompson begs to question if he can compete against the absolute best. Ponzinibbio just isn’t the fighter who could upset Kevin Holland. Unless we are in for a huge shocker of a night!
“I don’t care if it’s good blood or bad blood I’m still going to hit you in the mouth.”
Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) is excited to scrap with Santiago Ponzinibbio at #UFC287 🔊🆙
— UFC News (@UFCNews) April 6, 2023
Santiago Ponzinibbio, while an impressive striker, has looked stale after his UFC return following an injury back in 2018. He is 2-3 since his return back in 2021, having lost to Geoff Neal, Michel Pereira, and Li Jinliang. Doubts also linger surrounding his conditioning. Ponznibbio has not looked very efficient in the latter half of the fight, and going against someone like Kevin Holland, it’s going to be a huge problem.
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The Argentine is not too savvy on the ground either. He does have the puncher’s chance but whether or not he can find that sweet spot against a skilled striker like Holland, only time will tell. We are going with Kevin Holland via unanimous decision.
Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio prediction: Kevin Holland via Unanimous Decision